Qantas is set to significantly expand its international operations, with the addition of 220,000 seats, new aircraft, and a brand-new route.
Over the next 12 months, the airline will increase capacity to meet growing demand in the Asia Pacific and US markets, introducing new services and improving fleet efficiency.
From February 2025, Qantas will roll out these changes across its international network, starting with the launch of a new route between Brisbane and Palau.
The airline will also return two Airbus A380s to service and introduce more next-generation A220 aircraft, boosting seat availability and enhancing passenger comfort.
Increased Capacity to the United States
Qantas will increase its capacity to the US by 13%, offering 30% more premium seats on long-haul flights with the return of additional A380 aircraft by August 2025.
The Brisbane to Los Angeles route will benefit from the reintroduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering passengers the option of Premium Economy and increased seat availability.
This move responds to the growing demand for flights between Australia and the US, providing more options for travelers seeking premium travel experiences.
New Brisbane to Palau Route
For the first time, Qantas will add Palau to its international map, launching a weekly service from Brisbane to the Pacific island nation.
The ‘Palau Paradise Express,’ operated by a 737 aircraft, will begin flights in the coming months. This route is part of a contract awarded to Qantas by the Australian Federal Government to support trade and tourism links between Australia and Palau.
Known for its pristine waters and unique marine life, Palau is expected to become a popular destination for divers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Darwin to Singapore Route Upgraded
QantasLink’s new A220 aircraft will make its international debut in March 2025, serving the Darwin to Singapore route.
Initially planned to operate with the Embraer E190, the larger 137-seat A220 will now take over, offering over 70,000 seats annually on five weekly flights.
This shift is part of Qantas’ broader fleet renewal strategy, which is phasing out older Boeing 717s in favor of more efficient aircraft.
Changes to Seoul Flights
Qantas will cease operations between Sydney and Seoul from June 2025. However, its low-cost subsidiary, Jetstar, will increase its flights on this route from four per week to daily, resulting in a net increase in seat availability.
This adjustment is aimed at catering to the strong leisure demand between the two cities, allowing Qantas to redeploy aircraft to higher-demand routes.
Comments from Qantas Group International CEO
Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas Group International, expressed excitement about the upcoming changes, stating: “We’re thrilled to offer our customers more than 220,000 additional seats, a new international destination, and the debut of our A220 aircraft on the Singapore-Darwin route. These changes reflect our commitment to meeting growing customer demand while ensuring we have the right aircraft on the right routes.”
The expansion of Qantas’ international network underscores its dual-brand strategy, which leverages the combined fleets of Qantas and Jetstar to offer flexibility and increased service options for passengers.