In a landmark development for the aviation industry, Qantas has launched its inaugural Airbus A380 flight to Johannesburg, marking the first-ever operation of the Superjumbo between Australia and Africa. The introduction of this historic route is set to significantly enhance travel capacity between the continents while reintroducing First Class service on this leg. This move will likely appeal to luxury-seeking passengers and premium market travellers. With a sharp increase in capacity and a new codeshare partnership, Qantas is gearing up to redefine air travel to Southern Africa.

A Strategic Move to Boost Capacity and Connectivity

The newly introduced A380 route will operate up to six times a week, providing an additional 130,000 seats annually, nearly doubling the existing capacity on the Sydney to Johannesburg leg. This expansion is timely, considering the robust demand for travel between the regions. “We are seeing strong demand for our Johannesburg services,” stated Cam Wallace, Qantas International CEO, “and by upgrading to the Superjumbo, we will nearly double capacity during peak periods, adding over 130,000 seats per year between the continents.”

The A380’s return also marks a resurgence of Qantas’ First Class service on the route, a feature last seen in 2018. With 14 exclusive suites in a 1-1-1 configuration, First Class passengers will enjoy the luxury of privacy, a 212-centimetre-long flatbed, and personalized service. The aircraft’s upper deck further enhances the travel experience with a dedicated lounge area for First and Business Class customers, featuring booth-style seating for ten people, a self-service bar, and signature beverages and gourmet snacks.

This move signifies Qantas’ commitment to meeting evolving customer expectations and creating differentiated travel experiences for high-end leisure and business travellers.

Reinforcing Historical Ties: From ‘Wallaby Route’ to Superjumbo

Qantas’ history with South Africa dates back more than 70 years, beginning in 1948 with a Lancastrian survey flight from Sydney to Johannesburg. Known as the ‘Wallaby Route’—a nod to the renowned Kangaroo Route from Australia to London—the airline has since operated various aircraft along this corridor, from Lockheed Constellations to Boeing 747s and Dreamliners. Today, Qantas is making headlines again with the world’s only A380 flight across the southern Indian Ocean, solidifying its presence as a critical player in the Australia-South Africa travel market.

The timing of this upgrade is strategic, coinciding with a renewed push to bolster tourism and trade links between Australia and South Africa. With the A380 addition, Qantas now offers over 280,000 seats annually between the two nations, paving the way for greater economic and cultural exchange.

New Codeshare with Airlink: A Game-Changer for Southern African Travel

To extend Qantas’ reach across Africa, the airline has entered into a new codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based Airlink, significantly enhancing regional connectivity. The codeshare agreement allows Qantas to add its ‘QF’ code to Airlink’s domestic network, facilitating seamless connections to nine additional South African cities, including Cape Town, Durban, East London, and Hoedspruit.

Cam Wallace emphasized the value of this partnership: “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.”

Beyond South Africa, the codeshare will extend to nearby southern African countries in the coming months, subject to regulatory approval. This expansion is expected to open more travel opportunities for Qantas’ Australian and international customers, making exploring key African destinations like Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia easier.

A Boost for Frequent Flyers and the Premium Market

For frequent flyers, the benefits extend beyond just increased connectivity. Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn Qantas Points and Status Credits on Airlink-operated flights, with the added flexibility of using ‘Points Plus Pay’ for their bookings. This is a crucial selling point for the 14 million members of the airline’s loyalty program, who can now use their points for a broader range of travel options across the African continent.

The codeshare is part of Qantas’ broader strategy to enhance its global footprint through targeted partnerships. With Airlink’s extensive network, Qantas customers can now reach remote destinations like Skukuza in Kruger National Park or George in the Western Cape—previously challenging destinations to access with a single airline.

Expanding the Qantas A380 Fleet

Qantas’ Airbus A380 fleet has undergone a significant transformation, with eight active aircraft and two more slated to return to service over the next 18 months. In addition to Johannesburg, the airline operates its A380s on routes to Los Angeles, Singapore, and London, highlighting the versatility and range of the Superjumbo in serving long-haul markets.

This deployment of the A380 to Johannesburg is a testament to the aircraft’s ongoing relevance and Qantas’ confidence in the growth potential of the Australia-Africa travel market. The move is also poised to positively impact the broader travel industry as more carriers look to deploy more extensive, more efficient aircraft on emerging routes.

Future Outlook: Perth to Johannesburg Direct

In yet another potential boost for connectivity, Qantas has announced plans to relaunch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg by mid-2025, pending border agency approvals. This route will provide a crucial west coast gateway to Africa, shortening passenger travel times and offering a more direct option for those travelling from Perth and other cities across Australia.

With this ambitious expansion strategy, Qantas is poised to strengthen its position as the go-to carrier for travel between Australia and Southern Africa. It will leverage the combined power of the A380 and its partnership with Airlink to offer unparalleled connectivity and convenience.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Australia-Africa Travel

Qantas’ historic A380 launch and new codeshare with Airlink mark a turning point in air travel between Australia and Africa. As demand for travel rebounds and international borders become more accessible, these initiatives will catalyze growth, bringing new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the continents.

For more details on fares and to book flights, contact your local travel advisor or visit Qantas.com.

 

 

 

Written by: Michelle Warner

 

 

 

 

 

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