Australia’s flagship airline, Qantas, has taken a significant step by introducing the Airbus A380 to Africa. This milestone comes nearly 16 years after the aircraft first flew from Sydney to Los Angeles in October 2008. Today, the inaugural flight QF63 left Sydney, marking the start of nonstop service to Johannesburg. This launch not only brings back First Class to this route for the first time since 2018 but also enhances the passenger experience. The A380 features 14 individual suites arranged in a comfortable 1-1-1 layout.
By replacing the Boeing 787-9 with the A380, Qantas will greatly increase its seating capacity. The airline will nearly double the number of available seats on this route. Starting in 2025, the service will operate up to six times a week, adding an extra 130,000 seats each year between Australia and Africa. Furthermore, this upgrade will significantly boost the number of premium economy seats.
Travelers will enjoy the upper deck lounge, which offers booth-style seating for ten. Additionally, there’s a self-service bar and options for ordering signature beverages and snacks. The strong demand for the Johannesburg route is prompting Qantas to expand its capacity during peak travel times.
To enhance connectivity across Africa, Qantas has teamed up with Airlink, a regional airline based in Johannesburg. This new codeshare agreement allows Qantas passengers to access nine domestic destinations in South Africa. Airlink operates a fleet of over 65 Embraer aircraft from hubs in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. As a result, travelers will have smooth access to places like Cape Town, Durban, and Bloemfontein.
Qantas has a rich history of flying to South Africa. Over the past 72 years, it has operated various aircraft, including the iconic A380. This new service will enable the airline to offer over 280,000 seats annually between Australia and South Africa. Remarkably, this route features the only A380 flight crossing the southern Indian Ocean. Consequently, passengers can enjoy unique views of Antarctica on clear days.
The flight duration from Sydney to Johannesburg is 14 hours and 40 minutes. In contrast, the return trip takes about 11 hours and 55 minutes. Currently, Qantas has eight active A380s, with plans to bring the remaining two aircraft back into service within the next 18 months. Besides Johannesburg, these superjumbos are also used for flights to Los Angeles, Singapore, and London. Thus, Qantas is further strengthening its position in global aviation. Lastly, don’t forget to check WentWorld.com and follow our social media channels for ultimate travel tips and destination guides.
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