In a triumphant return to the bustling streets of the Big Apple, Qantas is set to resume flights to New York today after a hiatus of over three years. The revival of this iconic route, marked by the launch of QF3, ushers in a new era for the national carrier as it charts a fresh course via Auckland instead of the traditional Los Angeles path. Commencing with three weekly flights on the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this frequency will increase to four from October, offering a staggering 1,800 seats each week on this highly sought-after route.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding the inaugural flight, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce expressed his elation at once again ferrying Australians to the vibrant metropolis. “While the world has undergone dramatic changes since the onset of COVID, the allure of New York City remains undiminished,” said Mr Joyce. As international borders gradually reopened, New York emerged as a favoured destination for Qantas customers, who seamlessly connected to the city via partner airlines from Los Angeles and Dallas. The overwhelming demand following the release of New York flight tickets comes as no surprise.
The realization of this route became feasible with the recent delivery of new 787 aircraft, propelling Qantas closer to restoring its international capacity to pre-pandemic levels. Mr Joyce outlined the Qantas Group’s ambitious target of reinstating approximately 100% of its pre-COVID international network capacity by March 2024, a substantial increase from the current 85% achieved. Notably, this marks a remarkable ascent from the mere 45% capacity witnessed a year ago.
Mr Joyce also emphasized the positive implications for Australian tourism, as the new flights facilitate the greater influx of visitors from the United States, enabling them to explore the splendours of New South Wales and beyond by seamlessly connecting from Sydney to Qantas’ extensive domestic network. “By flying via Auckland, travellers from all corners of Australia now have enhanced accessibility to New York, with the convenience of 11 daily flights across the Tasman from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne,” he added. Furthermore, Qantas’ commitment to providing superior comfort during long-haul journeys is evident in the design of their aircraft cabins, which offer spaciousness and fewer seats compared to competitors.
As Qantas solidifies its position as a leading global airline, it now proudly operates three of the world’s top five longest flights, including the esteemed Perth-London and Dallas-Melbourne routes. This strategic shift towards direct routes aligns with the airline’s goal of meeting customer preferences while maintaining efficiency. Notably, the Perth-London service has garnered the highest customer satisfaction rating on Qantas’ international network, cementing its reputation for exceptional service.
Preparing meticulously for the highly anticipated launch, Qantas teams have harnessed advanced cloud-based flight planning systems. These systems expertly model flight paths, consider flight durations and analyze wind patterns, ultimately determining the optimal route for a seamless and efficient travel experience.
To commemorate the commencement of the new route, Qantas has introduced several customer initiatives onboard QF3 and QF4. Business Class passengers will be treated to exclusive limited-edition pyjamas and amenity kits designed by renowned Australian designer Rebecca Vallance, while delectable New York-inspired menu items will be available throughout the aircraft.
Qantas is also poised to revamp its Auckland International Lounge as part of a significant $100 million investment in new and upgraded lounges. Set to open in mid-2024, the redesigned lounge will exude elegance, offering more space and showcasing the best of local design, food, and wine.
Fast Facts:
- SYD-AKL Flight Time: 3 hours 5 mins
- AKL-JFK Flight Time: 16 hours 15 mins
- SYD-AKL-JFK Travel Distance: 16,371 kilometres
Qantas’ Dreamliner, with its meticulously crafted cabin layout, promises unrivalled comfort across its Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. Business Class boasts 42 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each featuring a fully-flat bed and direct aisle access. Premium Economy offers 28 spacious seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, while Economy accommodates 166 passengers in a comfortable 3-3-3 configuration.
Written by: Christine Nguyen
