UPDATE: Qantas is making significant strides in its ambition to transform Perth into a major international hub, with soaring demand for air travel just ahead of the Christmas season. The airline has confirmed strong ticket sales following the launch of new direct services to Asia and beyond, reflecting a robust recovery in travel as the holiday period approaches.
New services to Manila launched last week, while non-stop flights to Johannesburg and Auckland are set to commence this weekend, marking a pivotal expansion for Qantas. The inaugural Perth-Johannesburg flight will take off on December 3, 2023, followed by the Perth-Auckland route starting on December 4, 2023. Both routes will operate three times a week on Qantas’ advanced A330 aircraft, featuring 27 business class seats.
This expansion increases the total number of long-haul flights from Perth to six, compared to just two pre-pandemic. Qantas already operates direct flights to key destinations including London, Paris, Singapore, and a seasonal service to Rome, which is expected to nearly double in frequency next year due to high demand.
Qantas Group CEO Ms. Hudson emphasized the airline’s strategy to elevate Perth Airport into a global travel hub. She stated, “We want to see Perth to be really up there with the best in terms of airport experience, while unlocking as many destinations on the Qantas and Jetstar network as possible.” This vision is supported by a planned $5 billion expansion, which will see Qantas and Jetstar services relocate to a new terminal in the Airport Central precinct by 2031.
The demand from travelers, particularly cost-conscious customers, has been described as “really good” by Ms. Hudson. She noted that many passengers are booking early to take advantage of various promotional fares. “The cost of living is something that’s very front of mind for customers, but also for us… Customers who book early get the best deals,” she added.
Qantas has been proactive in creating sales opportunities throughout the year, maintaining a positive outlook on the demand environment from Western Australia. The airline’s immediate strategy leverages the arrival of new, advanced aircraft capable of longer flights, enabling it to offer more destinations and enhance customer experience.
As travelers prepare for the holidays, the airline’s expanding network highlights a significant shift in the aviation landscape, signaling a strong rebound for the industry. With these new routes, Qantas not only aims to meet the growing demand but also to solidify Perth’s position as a vital link for international travel.
Travelers should stay tuned for more updates as Qantas continues to roll out its ambitious plans, enhancing connectivity and travel options for those flying from Western Australia.
