Qantas is launching a new direct route to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and increasing flights to Los Angeles (LAX) as it rebuilds its US network.
From Dec. 2, the airline will operate four weekly return flights between Melbourne (MEL) and DFW using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, becoming the first nonstop service between the two cities.
This route will complement the airline’s existing Sydney (SYD)-DFW route, which is scheduled to be operated daily from August onboard 787-9s.
Qantas is also adding another four weekly return flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles with its 787s, up from 4X-weekly currently. Its refurbished Airbus A380s will resume operating some of these flights to LAX from December, marking the return of Qantas’ superjumbo and reintroduction of first class to Melbourne.
“No city in the world did it tougher during COVID than Melbourne, but no city is bouncing back as quickly,” Qantas chief customer officer Stephanie Tully said.
“We are seeing really strong demand from Melburnians wanting to travel overseas for a holiday or business trip after two years at home, while inbound tourism is starting to pick up. Flights to the United States are particularly strong with Los Angeles bookings now exceeding pre-COVID levels.
“As well as being a destination in its own right, Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the biggest hub airports in the United States and is located less than a four-hour flight from every major US city.”