Australian airline Qantas has launched two new nonstop routes from Perth to Johannesburg in South Africa and Auckland in New Zealand. This strengthens Qantas' role in Western Australia as a key international hub, now directly connecting three continents. The inaugural flight to Johannesburg (QF65) departed in the afternoon of the day, while the first Auckland-Perth service landed in the morning. These two new routes increase Qantas' annual seat capacity by more than 150.000, which is expected to boost tourism and create local jobs.
Qantas' expansion of its international flight schedule at Perth Airport was made possible by financial support from the Australian Federal Government, which invested in increasing border control and biosecurity capacity at the airport. This was a necessary step to handle the increased passenger volume and more complex international procedures. Flights between Perth and Johannesburg are operated three times weekly with Airbus A330 aircraft and have a flight time of approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes. The connection to Auckland is also offered three times weekly, with a flight time of around 6 hours and 45 minutes.
Cam Wallace, Qantas' international managing director, expressed his satisfaction with the early demand. He highlighted that booking figures for both routes were "excellent." The Johannesburg connection, with partner Airlink, offers passengers further onward travel options within Africa. At the same time, the Auckland route provides an attractive one-stop option for travelers wishing to travel from Perth to New York.
Representatives from Australian and New Zealand tourism boards welcomed the new routes, emphasizing their positive economic impact and improved connectivity. The new direct flights are part of Qantas' strategic expansion, which aims to position Perth as a key gateway and shorten international travel routes. With these new long-haul connections, Qantas is solidifying its leading position in Australian air travel and contributing to the growing importance of Western Australia's capital city.