Australia’s national airline, Qantas, is expanding its reach with new flights connecting Brisbane and Manila, Philippines. This service marks a significant milestone in Qantas’ recovery, particularly following a tumultuous year that included leadership changes and operational challenges. Under the guidance of CEO Vanessa Hudson, Qantas is now introducing new aircraft and international routes to enhance its service.
Moreover, Brisbane Airport plays a pivotal role in Qantas’ resurgence. It competes fiercely with major hubs like Sydney and Melbourne, thus opening doors to fresh opportunities. On October 28, the airport celebrated the launch of Qantas flight QF97, which departs Brisbane at 21:55 and arrives in Manila after approximately seven hours. Notably, the inaugural flight used an Airbus A330, showcasing Qantas’ commitment to modernizing its fleet.
This new route will operate four times a week, effectively adding over 100,000 seats annually between Australia and the Philippines. Additionally, it complements the existing daily service from Sydney, creating seamless connections for travelers from New Zealand via Brisbane. Specifically, the flight time is around seven hours and forty-five minutes, and the Airbus A330 features a two-class layout with 296 seats, including 27 business class suites, which provides a comfortable experience for passengers. Furthermore, travelers enjoy amenities like checked baggage, meals, and in-flight entertainment with every booking.
In fact, Qantas is committed to enhancing its services between Australia and the Philippines, having operated over 300,000 seats annually. Consequently, the airline looks forward to celebrating 75 years of connecting these nations in 2025.
The launch of the Manila route follows Qantas’ recent international expansions from Brisbane, including services to Palau and upgraded flights to Los Angeles. Importantly, Brisbane Airport’s CEO noted that this new connection strengthens ties to Southeast Asia, where economic growth and tourism opportunities are on the rise. Qantas has a storied history with the Philippines, having first flown there in 1947. Today, the airline continues to evolve, responding to the growing demand for direct flights and better connectivity.
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