Today marks a historic first as Qantas launches its inaugural Airbus A380 flight to Johannesburg. The Australian flag carrier is introducing the Superjumbo to the African continent for the first time.
This new widebody service not only significantly enhances the airline’s capacity, but also further strengthens the cultural ties between Australia and South Africa.
A Doubling of Capacity
The introduction of the A380 on this route represents a substantial upgrade in Qantas’ service offerings.
Operating up to six times per week, these flights will nearly double the airline’s capacity, adding an impressive 130,000 seats annually between Australia and Africa. This increase in availability is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and family connections across the Indian Ocean.
The Return of First Class
The Airbus A380, Qantas’ flagship aircraft, boasts a capacity of 485 passengers spread across four distinct cabin classes. One of the most exciting aspects of this new service is the return of First Class to the Johannesburg route, absent since 2018.
The Qantas First experience features 14 individual suites arranged in an exclusive 1-1-1 configuration, each convertible into a spacious 212-centimeter bed, ensuring unparalleled comfort for long-haul travelers.
In addition to the luxurious First Class offering, the A380 significantly increases the number of Premium Economy seats available, more than doubling the previous capacity. This expansion caters to the growing demand for premium travel options at a more accessible price point.
Onboard Luxury
One of the A380’s standout features is its upper deck lounge, exclusively available to passengers in First and Business classes.
This social space offers booth-style seating for up to 10 people, complemented by a self-service bar. Passengers can also indulge in signature drinks and snacks, adding an extra layer of sophistication to their journey.
A Rich History in South Africa
Qantas’ relationship with South Africa dates back to 1948 when the airline first touched down in Johannesburg with a Lancastrian survey flight from Sydney.
This pioneering journey, which included stops in Perth, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Mauritius, laid the groundwork for future connections between the two continents.
Regular passenger services commenced in September 1952, utilizing a Lockheed Constellation L-749A. The 66-hour journey earned the affectionate nickname “Wallaby Route.” This was something of a play on the famous “Kangaroo Route” connecting Australia to London.
Today’s nonstop flights are a testament to how far aviation technology has advanced. The A380 service marks the first time any airline has operated such a large aircraft across the southern Indian Ocean.
Relaunch of Johannesburg Flights
In addition to the A380 service, Qantas has announced plans to relaunch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg by mid-2025,. This will be subject to meeting border agency requirements. This move will further enhance connectivity between Australia and South Africa, offering more options for travelers.
Airlink Codeshare
Complementing these developments, Qantas has entered into a new codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based carrier Airlink.
This collaboration significantly expands Qantas’ network within South Africa. It allows seamless connections to nine domestic destinations, including Cape Town, Durban, and Hoedspruit.
There are plans to add more Airlink destinations in neighboring southern African countries in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.
This codeshare agreement brings additional benefits to Qantas Frequent Flyers, who can now earn Qantas Points and Status Credits on Airlink flights, as well as use Points Plus Pay for bookings.
Looking to the Future
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace expressed enthusiasm about the new service, citing strong demand for Johannesburg flights and the popularity of the A380 among frequent flyers.
He emphasized the significance of increased capacity and new codeshare options in strengthening connections between Australia and Africa, supporting tourism, trade, and family ties.
With its rich history of serving South Africa and its eyes firmly set on the future, Qantas is poised to play a pivotal role in connecting these two vibrant continents for years to come.
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