SYDNEY- Australian national carrier, Qantas (QF) is set to enhance its international offerings, introducing new aircraft, destinations, and schedule adjustments to meet growing customer demand in key Asia Pacific and US markets.
The airline will add approximately 220,000 seats to its international network over 12 months starting February 2025.
Qantas Big Announcements
The expansion includes the launch of a new Brisbane (BNE)-Palau (ROR) route, the reintroduction of two refurbished Airbus A380s, and the deployment of additional next-generation A220 aircraft for QantasLink operations. These changes will significantly boost the airline’s capacity and service options.
United States capacity will increase by 13 percent, with a notable 30 percent rise in premium seating on long-haul flights following the return of more A380s to the network in August.
Brisbane customers will benefit from the reintroduction of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on routes to Los Angeles and Auckland, offering Premium Economy options and increased seat availability.
Brisbane-Palau Route
In a groundbreaking move, Qantas will commence weekly flights from Brisbane to Palau using its 737 aircraft.
Dubbed the ‘Palau Paradise Express’, this new service results from a contract awarded by the Federal Government.
It aims to strengthen trade and tourism links between Australia and Palau while offering Qantas customers access to a new leisure destination known for its pristine waters, unique marine life, and attractions for divers and hikers.
The Palau route is expected to begin operations in the coming months, with ticket sales commencing in the next few weeks.
Qantas Sydney to Seoul Flight Cuts
QantasLink introduces its new A220 aircraft on the international stage, launching service between Darwin (DRW) and Singapore (SIN) in March. The 137-seat A220 replaces the originally planned Embraer E190, offering five weekly flights and providing over 70,000 seats annually on this route.
The airline has already received four of the 29 A220 jets ordered, which are progressively replacing the Boeing 717 fleet as part of the Qantas Group’s modernization efforts.
The A220’s extended range, nearly double that of the 717s, enables it to connect any two points within Australia and opens possibilities for new short-haul international routes like Darwin-Singapore. Currently, the A220 operates on various domestic and regional routes.
QantasLink’s fleet expansion aligns with the broader Qantas strategy to enhance connectivity and service quality across its network. The A220’s deployment on the Darwin-Singapore route signifies a commitment to improving international travel options from Australia’s northern hub.
In a significant network adjustment, Qantas will discontinue its Sydney (SYD)-Seoul (ICN) service from mid-June 2025. Simultaneously, Jetstar (JQ) will increase its presence on this route, moving from four weekly flights to daily service.
A380 Returns to Dallas
Qantas enhances its Dallas (DFW) services with significant changes. The airline reintroduces the Airbus A380 on the Sydney to Dallas route, commencing August 11, 2025, marking its return after a five-year hiatus.
Additionally, Qantas will increase the frequency of its Melbourne (MEL) to Dallas flights from three to four times weekly, effective February 6, 2025.
Qantas Group International CEO, Cam Wallace said,
Here’s the table showing changes made by Qantas for 2025
Region | Route | Change | Timing |
---|---|---|---|
United States | Melbourne-Dallas | Flights increase from three to four per week | 6 February 2025 |
Sydney-New York (via Auckland) | Flights reduce from six to five per week | 6 February 2025 | |
Brisbane-Los Angeles | Boeing 787 Dreamliner returns to route, doubling premium seat capacity. Daily flights operated by mix of A330 and 787 aircraft | 11 August 2025 | |
Sydney-Dallas | Boeing 787 Dreamliner returns to route, doubling premium seat capacity. Daily flights operated by a mix of A330 and 787 aircraft | 11 August 2025 | |
Asia | Sydney-Seoul | Qantas ceases flights. Jetstar increases from four per week to daily, 4% increase in seats | 14 June 2025 |
Darwin-Singapore | 787 was introduced alongside 737 and A330 flights, 40% increase in premium seats annually | 30 March 2025 | |
Tasman and Pacific | Brisbane-Auckland | A380 resumes route for the first time since pre-COVID. Daily flights operated by mix of A380 and 787 aircraft | 11 August 2025 |
Brisbane-Noumea | Flights resume, increasing from one to up to two per week. Embraer E190 newly operating on route | 14 December 2024 | |
Brisbane-Palau | New weekly flights operated by Qantas’ B737 aircraft | Expected launch in coming months* |
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.