Australian flag carrier Qantas is eying recent ultra-long-haul destinations within the US and Europe for its next growth phase. While there was no confirmation on when these routes could start, the carrier’s renewed interest in growing its long-haul network could mean that more such routes could possibly be announced within the near future.
Seattle, Chicago, and Paris in consideration
At a recent investor presentation, Qantas identified recent potential destinations for point-to-point travel from Australia. The airline is open to exploring non-stop services to Seattle and Chicago within the US and Paris in Europe.
Qantas already flies non-stop to the US West Coast and in addition to London Heathrow from Perth. The airline had previously planned to attach Brisbane with Chicago in 2020, nevertheless it was scrapped on account of the onset of the COVID pandemic.
Photo: aiyoshi597 | Shutterstock
The airline could definitely make good use of its partnership with US carriers to offer its passengers with further connectivity within the country. Qantas’ partnership with American Airlines could help it serve the US regional market through the Chicago flight, and its association with Alaska Airlines could come in useful through the Seattle service. Paris can be a preferred addition to further its expansion into Europe on top of its existing flights to London.
Long-haul fleet
Naturally, Qantas would want its longest-range planes to operate on these potential routes. Currently, its Boeing 787-9 aircraft serves its non-stop flight between Perth and London, which lasts for well over 16 hours.
The airline could easily deploy the Dreamliner from Sydney to Seattle, but a Sydney-Chicago flight will likely stretch the 787 to its limits. A Brisbane-Chicago service, as previously planned, is more likely.
Photo: Airbus
For Paris, Qantas might provide you with an identical service like that to LHR from Perth using its 787, nevertheless it may additionally wait for the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which might allow it to fly to Europe non-stop from cities like Sydney.
Searching for more overseas operations
In its first Investor Strategy Day presentation for the reason that onset of COVID-19, Qantas was particularly enthusiastic about its international business. It goals to match pre-COVID international capability by early next yr, and is hoping for a dramatic rise in revenue from overseas operations.
The airline will start receiving its Airbus A350-100 aircraft and has significant plans for ultra-long-haul flights to the US East Coast and Europe. Qantas is, actually, hoping so as to add AU$400+ million ($260 million) in earnings before interest and tax in the primary full yr the twelve A350s are in service.
What are your views on this? Please leave your comments below.
