Australia (Commonwealth)_Qantas has introduced its first Airbus A380 service to Johannesburg, marking a significant milestone as the airline operates its Superjumbo aircraft on an African route for the first time. The A380 will now provide up to six weekly flights, nearly doubling the available capacity between Australia and South Africa. This increased frequency will offer an additional 130,000 seats annually, meeting growing demand for travel on this route.
The Airbus A380 operated by Qantas has a seating configuration that accommodates 485 passengers across four distinct cabins. Notably, this launch signifies the return of First Class to the Johannesburg route, a feature that has been absent since 2018. Qantas’ First Class offering includes 14 private suites, each designed in a 1-1-1 layout, allowing for an exclusive experience. These suites can be converted into fully flat beds measuring 212 centimeters in length, enhancing comfort for long-haul passengers. In addition, the introduction of the A380 on this route will more than double the number of premium economy seats available, a key development that addresses the increased demand for higher-tier service between Australia and South Africa.
An enhanced in-flight experience for premium passengers is further complemented by the aircraft’s upper deck lounge, which is open to both first and business-class travelers. The lounge offers booth-style seating for up to ten passengers, alongside a self-service bar. Premium travelers can also order signature drinks and snacks, providing a more luxurious and relaxed environment during the flight.
Qantas has a long history with South Africa, dating back to 1948 when it completed its first landing in the country with a Lancastrian survey flight. The flight, which originated in Sydney, traveled via Perth, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Mauritius before arriving in Johannesburg. Regular passenger services on this route commenced in 1952, utilizing the Lockheed Constellation L-749A. Known as the Wallaby Route, in nod to the famous Kangaroo Route connecting Australia and London, this journey once took a staggering 66 hours to complete.
In addition to the A380 service to Johannesburg, Qantas is planning to expand its South African operations further by reintroducing direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg in mid-2025. However, this plan is still subject to regulatory approval. If approved, the relaunch of this route would provide more direct travel options between Australia and South Africa, enhancing connectivity for passengers traveling between the two nations.
Simultaneously with its increased capacity on the Johannesburg route, Qantas has announced a new codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based airline Airlink. This partnership is set to extend Qantas’ reach within South Africa by providing seamless connections between its Johannesburg flights and nine domestic destinations. These destinations include major cities such as Cape Town and Durban, as well as smaller locations like Hoedspruit. Additionally, Qantas plans to expand this partnership further, offering connectivity to additional destinations in neighboring southern African countries. These expansions, however, are contingent upon regulatory approvals expected to be finalized in the coming months.
The introduction of the Airbus A380 to Qantas’ Johannesburg service not only increases capacity but also enhances the quality of travel for passengers across all cabin classes. With the reintroduction of First Class, improved premium economy offerings, and the availability of the upper deck lounge for premium passengers, Qantas is setting a new standard for luxury travel between Australia and South Africa. Additionally, the expansion of its South African operations through new codeshare partnerships and potential direct flights from Perth underscores the airline’s commitment to serving this important market. These developments position Qantas as a major player in the Australia-South Africa travel corridor, catering to both leisure and business travelers alike.
By boosting capacity and improving connectivity, Qantas is not only responding to growing demand but also ensuring that passengers have access to a range of travel options that suit different needs and preferences. The continued expansion of routes and partnerships demonstrates Qantas’ dedication to enhancing its global network and offering travelers a seamless, premium experience on one of its most important long-haul routes.
