Qantas has launched the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the A380, on services between Dallas/Fort Worth and Sydney. Qantas Airways Senior Executive Vice President, The Americas, Vanessa Hudson said the introduction of the Qantas A380 would offer more comfort and greater travel options for U.S. travelers.
“Our new A380 service from Dallas/Fort Worth to Sydney means Americans can now fly on the world’s largest passenger aircraft and enjoy its spacious interiors and quiet cabins on our overnight service to Australia,” said Ms Hudson. “We know time is a precious commodity for our U.S. customers, whether traveling for business or leisure, so we’ve invested heavily to ensure our customers enjoy their journey from the moment they step onboard to the time when they land in Sydney.
“This means providing the most luxurious experience in the sky. Our A380s are designed by world-renowned industrial designer and Qantas creative director, Marc Newson, and each seat in every cabin has won awards for its design and comfort.”
Qantas Ambassador John Travolta was at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport today to mark the occasion and said he was proud to help promote the new service.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this special and historic moment for Qantas. It’s exciting news for Americans that the world’s biggest and one of the most luxurious passenger aircraft is now flying between Dallas Fort Worth and Sydney,” said Mr. Travolta.
He added “Sydney is such a special place and I love it every time I go. I think flying into Australia over Sydney Harbour on the Qantas A380 is one of life’s truly amazing experiences and every American should take the opportunity.”
Qantas is the only carrier to operate A380 services between the U.S. and Australia. Qantas launched services between Dallas/Fort Worth and Sydney in 2011 and has carried more than 300,000 passengers on the route. The A380 on the route represents a net increase of 10 per cent more seats per week, compared to the B747 that Qantas previously flew on the route.
Hudson said Dallas Fort Worth is a key gateway for Qantas customers offering convenient connections from across the U.S..
“Dallas/Fort Worth is the ideal gateway for our US customers. It is home to our partner, American Airlines, and provides connections from more than 50 cities across the country, all within four hours of Dallas/Fort Worth Airport.”
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said: “These new non-stop services will make it even easier for Americans to visit Sydney and NSW, which offers pristine beaches, vibrant and diverse events, Aussie hospitality and our State’s outstanding food and wine experiences.”
“The US is one of our top five inbound visitor markets. In the past financial year 317,000 visitors from the United States contributed approximately $546 million into the NSW economy, so we look forward to welcoming even more American visitors to Sydney to enjoy our beautiful Harbour City and regional surrounds,” she said.
The new A380 service will operate six return services per week between Dallas/Fort Worth and Sydney (every day except Tuesdays). QF8 will depart DFW at 2215 and arrive in Sydney at 0605 local time two days later (due to an evening departure and the international dateline). The return service QF7 will depart Sydney at 1310 and arrive at DFW International Airport at 1345 local time (the same day).
The Qantas A380 is fitted with 484 seats, (14 First, 64 Business, 35 Premium Economy and 371 Economy). The A380 offers private First class suites on the route for the first time, lie-flat Skybeds in Business, an exclusive Premium Economy cabin and the most spacious and comfortable international Economy seat yet.
To mark the occasion, Qantas painted its A380 aircraft operating the route with a special livery; the kangaroo on the tail features a traditional Stetson hat with a neckerchief in the American-stars print, with a “G’Day Texas” emblem next to the forward doors.
Qantas, www.qantas.com