Qantas launched its first Airbus A380 service to Johannesburg on Oct. 1, marking the first time the airline has operated the superjumbo aircraft to Africa. The new route will offer nearly double the current capacity, adding 130,000 seats annually between Australia and Africa.
The A380 will fly up to six times weekly between Sydney and Johannesburg. The 485-seat aircraft features four cabins, including the return of First Class to the route, a feature absent since 2018. The upgrade also more than doubles the number of Premium Economy seats available.
“We are seeing strong demand for our Johannesburg services,” said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace. “By upgrading to the Superjumbo, we will nearly double capacity during peak periods.” Wallace noted Qantas’ 72-year history of serving South Africa with various aircraft, from Constellations to the A380.
The increased capacity follows Qantas’ announcement of a new codeshare partnership with Airlink, a Johannesburg-based carrier. This agreement significantly expands Qantas’ network within South Africa, offering seamless connections to nine destinations, including Cape Town, Durban, and Hoedspruit. Qantas intends to add more Airlink destinations in southern African countries pending regulatory approvals.
“This extra capacity, combined with our new codeshare with Airlink, will significantly expand the options for Qantas customers heading to Africa, strengthening the connections between family and friends, business and trade as well as supporting the tourism industry,” Wallace added.
The partnership allows Qantas Frequent Flyers to earn points and status credits on Airlink flights and pay using points. Qantas also intends to relaunch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg in mid-2025, pending border agency requirements. The inaugural A380 flights reported full passenger loads in both directions.
The flight from Sydney to Johannesburg takes approximately 14 hours and 40 minutes, while the return journey is around 11 hours and 55 minutes. Qantas currently has eight active A380s, with two more set to return to service within the next 18 months. The airline also operates the A380 to Los Angeles, Singapore, and London.
Leave a comment