NEW YORK- Today (June 14, 2023), Australian flag carrier Qantas (QF) has announced the resumption of flights to New York (JFK), marking the return of services from Sydney to the Big Apple after a hiatus of over three years.
The introduction of QF3 signifies a new route for the national carrier. As Qantas now offers flights to New York via Auckland instead of Los Angeles.
Initially, the flights will operate three days per week utilizing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Starting in October, the frequency will increase to four days per week, providing over 1,800 seats each week on this route.
Qantas Sydney to New York Flights
On the inaugural flight, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce expressed his excitement about returning Australians to New York.
Mr. Joyce acknowledged that while the world has undergone significant changes due to COVID, the allure of New York City remains unchanged.
Since reopening international borders, New York has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Qantas customers. Further, they have been connecting through partner airlines from Qantas flights arriving in Los Angeles and Dallas.
Consequently, strong demand for New York flights has been observed since they became available for booking.
The introduction of this route has been made possible by the recent delivery of new 787 aircraft. Subsequently bringing Qantas closer to restoring its international capacity to pre-COVID levels.
Expecting pre-COVID capacity by Mar 2024
By March 2024, the Qantas Group plans to restore its international network to approximately 100% of its pre-COVID capacity, a significant increase from the current level of around 85% and a notable jump from the 45% capacity recorded a year ago.
This expansion is expected to have a positive impact on Australian tourism. Further, it will facilitate the arrival of more visitors from the United States who can explore New South Wales attractions and beyond through connections from Sydney to Qantas’ extensive domestic network.
Mr. Joyce further highlighted the advantages of the new route. He stated that flying via Auckland provides travelers from all parts of Australia easier access to New York. Subsequently emphasizing to the availability of 11 daily flights across the Tasman from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
In addition, Qantas prides itself on offering spacious cabins with fewer seats compared to many competitors. Further ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable long-haul travel experience for passengers on these aircraft.
Longest Flights in the World
Qantas has expanded its focus on direct routes that are both popular and among the longest flights in the world, now operating three out of the top five longest flights.
These routes include Perth-London and Dallas-Melbourne. The Perth-London service has achieved the highest customer satisfaction rating among Qantas’ international network.
Qantas has employed an advanced cloud-based flight planning system to ensure optimal flight routes. This system utilizes flight path modeling, measures flight times and wind conditions, and calculates the most efficient route for each flight.
In celebration of the launch of the new route, Qantas has introduced several customer initiatives on QF3 and QF4 flights.
Business Class passengers will enjoy limited edition pajamas and amenity kits designed by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance, while the aircraft will feature menu items inspired by New York throughout.
Furthermore, Qantas is progressing with plans for a significant renovation of its Auckland International Lounge as part of a $100 million investment in new and upgraded lounges.
The revamped lounge will open in mid-2024 and will offer more space and showcase the finest in local design, food, and wine.
23 Hour Marathon
According to Executive Traveller, the flights to New York will now adopt the QF3/QF4 flight numbers. Previously associated with the route when it included a stopover in Honolulu.
These flight numbers will serve as the US counterparts to the flagship QF1/QF2 flight numbers used for the Sydney-London route.
QF3 is scheduled to depart from Sydney at 9:30 am on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It will arrive in Auckland at 2:35 pm, followed by a departure for New York at 4:35 pm. The flight will reach JFK airport at 4:50 pm on the same day, resulting in a total travel time of slightly over 21 hours.
QF4 will depart from New York at 7:30 pm on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It will arrive in Auckland at 5:00 am two days later (accounting for the International Dateline), and after a 7:00 am departure, it will arrive in Sydney at 8:40 am.
The total travel time for this flight is nearly 23 hours. The New York to Auckland leg lasted approximately 17 and a half hours. It’s worth noting that starting from October 30, 2023, there will be an additional Sydney-New York flight every Monday.
The upgrade of Auckland will also include the much-awaited overhaul of the Qantas Auckland lounge.
The revamped lounge, designed with a luxurious theme, will provide a larger space for passengers. However, the renovation work is expected to be completed only by mid-2024.
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