QANTAS: Flights, frequencies, routes and aircraft increase

Qantas is adjusting some of its flights to better use its fleet. It especially wants to incorporate the recent three new Boeing 787 Dreamliners. They have also been bringing back the mothballed A380s. Qantas is claiming 80% of pre-pandemic capacity on international routes, intending to reach 100% by March 2024.

Adjusting Flights

Here is the Qantas list of new flying, although it does includes some already announced flights:

• Sydney-Bali – larger capacity Airbus A330s replace Boeing 737 flights from October 2024. These daily flights have more seats and fully-flat beds in Business Class
• Sydney-Auckland-New York – launched in June 2023, flights increase from four/week to daily from August 2024
• Sydney-Johannesburg – In a Qantas first A380s will fly to South Africa from July 2024. This nearly doubles capacity for peak periods
• Melbourne-Los Angeles – more A380 flights from July 2024 – 20% increase in capacity.
• Sydney-Los Angeles – from eight to nine flights/week from July 2024, using 787 and A380s

Tickets for these additional flights, which Qantas claims provide 250,000 additional seats (subject to regulatory approval) are on sale from tomorrow (Tuesday 22 August).

“The additional capacity will largely be made possible through our final two A380s returning to the Qantas fleet following heavy maintenance and cabin improvements.”

Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace

Previously announced flights

Qantas has previously advised of the following additions to its route map:

• Sydney-Shanghai resuming in late October (after a three-year gap).
• Brisbane-Honiara from late October
• Brisbane-Wellington from late October.

2PAXfly Takeout

i welcome any increase in capacity or additional frequencies and routes. Note, that COVID credits, which are set to expire on 31 December can be used to book these flights.

I’m particularly chuffed to see more A380 flights to the USA, but, am overjoyed that the A330s are being put back on the Sydney to Bali route. Travelling back from Bali on 737s in what is usually domestic Business on an overnight flight is not my happy place. Flat beds on the A330 is much closer.