UPDATE: Qantas has just announced a transformative $5 billion plan to elevate Perth Airport into a premier travel hub, aiming to connect Western Australia with the world. This ambitious strategy coincides with the launch of two new non-stop routes: Perth to Johannesburg starting tomorrow, and Perth to Auckland on Monday.
In a statement today, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasized the airline’s commitment to enhancing travel options for West Australians. “We want Perth to be up there with the best in terms of airport experience,” Hudson declared, highlighting that Qantas is now operating six long-haul direct flights from Perth—a significant increase from just two before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hudson revealed that Qantas already offers direct flights to London, Paris, Singapore, and a seasonal service to Rome. The airline plans to nearly double its flights next year due to soaring demand. Budget subsidiary Jetstar is also expanding its reach, now offering five routes to Asia, including Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, and Manila, which just launched last week.
This new hub strategy is not just about expanding routes; it’s about making Perth a vital link for both domestic and international travel. “This geographic distance is closing,” Hudson stated, underscoring the strategic importance of Perth in connecting travelers across Australia and beyond.
The launch of these routes is supported by Qantas’ recent investment in new aircraft, which are capable of flying longer distances. Hudson confirmed that the airline plans to incorporate the new A321XLR aircraft, which boasts a range of 8,700 km, allowing for a wider array of direct domestic and short-haul international routes.
Later in the week, Hudson hinted at potential new destinations including India and Malaysia, although specific details are yet to be confirmed. “That’s a really important part of our narrowbody fleet investment,” she said.
Additionally, Qantas is set to introduce the A350-1000ULR for its Project Sunrise flights, which will enable non-stop travel from the east coast to London and New York. These flights are scheduled to start in the first half of 2027.
The Perth to London route, launched in March 2018, has been a resounding success, with Hudson noting a significant percentage of customers originating from Perth. “This feedback shows how valued direct flights are for those living in Western Australia,” she added.
To facilitate this growth, Qantas is collaborating closely with Perth Airport to build a new combined domestic and international terminal scheduled to open by 2031. By that time, the airline aims to add 4.4 million seats annually to and from Perth, boosting its workforce in the region to about 700Network Aviation fleet, a WA subsidiary focused on fly-in, fly-out services. The fleet will soon welcome upgraded aircraft with Wi-Fi capabilities, addressing a crucial need for connectivity among workers.
As Qantas steps into this new era, Hudson’s vision is clear: to unlock as many destinations as possible while providing a world-class airport experience for travelers. “We are committed to making Perth a major hub for travel,” she concluded, inspiring optimism for Western Australia’s aviation future.
Both the Perth to Johannesburg and Perth to Auckland routes will operate using Qantas’ A330 aircraft, with flight times of approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes and 6 hours and 45 minutes, respectively. This expansion marks a significant moment for both Qantas and the Western Australian travel sector, promising a brighter future for travelers and the economy alike.
