QANTAS: Takes A380 Super Jumbo to Johannesburg

Yesterday ( Monday, 30 September) saw the takeoff of the first-ever Qantas A380 flight to South Africa. The flight will also reintroduce First Class to the route, last seen in 2018.

This represents a big increase in seats available on the route, some 130,000 per year, a near doubling of capacity. The A380 has a total of 485 seats across First Class (14 suites), Business Class (70), Premium Economy (70) and Economy Class (341).

“This extra capacity, combined with our new codeshare with Airlink, will significantly expand the options for Qantas customers heading to Africa, strengthening the connections between family and friends, business and trade as well as supporting the tourism industry on both sides of the Indian Ocean.”

Cam Wallace CEO, Qantas International

Codeshare with Airlink, Johannesburg

The A380 will fly up to six times a week, making it possible for passengers to easily transfer to codeshared Airlink flights on nine destinations, including Cape Town, Durban and Hoedspruit. Additional codeshares to southern African destinations are planned, but awaiting regulatory approval. Qantas Frequent Flyers will be able to earn and burn points on these flights

The Flights

Qantas is scheduling the A380 on the following flights every day except Tuesdays:

• QF63 departs Sydney 10:30 arrives Johannesburg 16:10 (14 hours, 40 minutes)
• QF64 departs Johannesburg 18:40 arrives Sydney 15:35 + one day (11hours, 55 minutes)

Price

There are flights on selected dates in Economy for AU$1890 return. Premium Economy fares start at AU3,754, and Business Class comes in at AU$7498 on sale, but they are usually closer to AU$7,700. First Class saver fares will set you back a minimum of AU$11,435.

Alternatives to Qantas are Emirates and Qatar via the Middle East, Singapore Airlines via Singapore, and South African Airways out of Perth. These flights are priced competitively, although be careful in premium cabins, where Qantas can be a bargain. You will pay nearly half as much in First for a shorter non-stop flight on Qantas than on Emirates or Qatar via the Middle East.

2PAXfly Takeout

South Africa is definitely on my list of destinations that I have yet to visit, and the A380 is my favourite aircraft, so what is not to love?

I may have to start looking at Safari options . . .