QANTAS is preparing to return to 100% of pre-COVID international flying by March 2024, announcing the addition of around one million seats to its network compared to its current schedule.
The capacity boost reflects the arrival of three new Boeing 787s, an updated Airbus A380 and more Embraer E190s leased from Alliance Aviation, as well as the wet lease of two Finnair Airbus A330s from late 2025 for a period of up to three years.
From 29 October, the Flying Kangaroo will increase the capacity of the following routes:
• MEL-LAX – from daily to 9 per week including more A380 flying
• SYD-JFK via AKL – increasing from three to four per week
• SYD-PDG – flights to Shanghai will restart with daily A330s
• SYD-HKG – peak season capacity up by over 50%
• MEL-HKG – from four per week to daily services
• MEL-SIN – from 10 to 14 per week effective 31 Mar 2024
• SYD-SIN – from 14 to 15 per week effective 31 Mar 2024
• MEL-DEL – peak season doubling to six per week
• SYD-CHC – from 11 weekly flights to double daily services
• SYD-ZQN – one extra flights, making it up to double daily
The Aussie airline will also up Tokyo capacity to a total of 28 flights per week, including double daily Sydney flights to Haneda and daily Melbourne and Brisbane departures, which will both move to Narita airport.
In addition, new routes using E190s excluding Brisbane include daily Wellington flights as well as a thrice weekly Honiara service, while the AY A330s will operate selected Qantas Sydney- Singapore flights from late October, and all Sydney – Bangkok flights from March next year.
For the first two and a half years of the agreement Finnair pilots and crew will operate the planes but with Qantas in-flight catering, amenities, in-flight entertainment and baggage allowances.
“We know our customers are looking for great value and this additional capacity will also put downward pressure on fares,” Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said.
Tickets for the expanded schedule will be begin going on sale from today via agents and qantas.com.
