A220 aircraft

Qantas international network to grow with 220,000 more seats, new aircraft and new route

Latest News|Published 16 October 2024

Today we are delighted to share the exciting expansion of our international network, with new aircraft and a new destination, as well as schedule changes which will better utilise our fleet and support growing demand from your customers in key Asia Pacific and US markets.

From February 2025, we will add around 220,000 seats to our international network across a period of 12 months. This is made possible by the launch of our new Brisbane–Palau route, the return of two Airbus A380s, as well as the arrival of more next-generation A220 aircraft for QantasLink.

Palm tree-lined street overlooking Los Angeles at sunset

More seats to the U.S.

The changes will see Qantas boost capacity to the United States by 13 per cent, offering 30 per cent more premium seats for your customers on long-haul flights with the return of more A380s to the network from next August. Your customers will benefit from the return of the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Brisbane, with the option of Premium Economy and more seats when travelling to Los Angeles and Auckland.

Aerial view of the 70 islands in Palau

New route from Brisbane to Palau

Palau will soon be added as a brand-new route, with weekly flights from Brisbane to the Pacific Island, offering your customers an exciting new destination aboard our 737 aircraft.

The service, known as the ‘Palau Paradise Express’ will operate as part of a contract awarded to Qantas by the Australian Federal Government and will help maintain strong trade and tourism links between Australia and Palau. Your customers will also have access to a new leisure destination with Palau renowned for its pristine waters, unique marine life and a haven for divers and hikers.

The route is expected to commence in the coming months and flights will go on sale in the next few weeks.

Singapore nightscape

Boost to new Darwin-Singapore route

Marking the first-ever A220 international flight by any airline from Singapore, this new service will operate five times a week from 30 March 2025, adding over 70,000 seats to this route annually.

Originally due to launch with the Embraer E190, the larger 137-seat A220 will offer over 70,000 seats on the route every year. Our next-generation A220 is more fuel efficient and offers your customers a greater sense of space and comfort with larger windows, overhead lockers and comfort seat cushioning.  

QantasLink has taken delivery of the first four of 29 A220 jet aircraft, which are steadily replacing its long-serving fleet of Boeing 717s as part of the Qantas Group’s fleet renewal program.

With almost double the range of the 717s, the A220 can fly between any two points in Australia and opens opportunities for new short-haul international routes, like Darwin-Singapore. The aircraft is currently operating on a number of domestic and regional routes.

Changes to Seoul flights

From mid-June 2025, Qantas will cease flying between Sydney and Seoul, while Jetstar will increase flights from four per week to daily. This swap will result in an overall increase in seats between the cities and better serve the strong leisure demand for the route. We are providing several options to support you and any impacted customers. We have introduced a new commercial policy for customers impacted by the suspension of Seoul (Incheon) service.

View our Commercial Policy

Summary of network changes

Route Change Timing
United States
Melbourne-Dallas Flights to increase from three to four per week. 6 February 2025
Sydney-New York (via Auckland) Flights to reduce from six to five per week. 6 February 2025
Brisbane-Los Angeles Boeing 787 Dreamliner to return to the route, more than doubling premium seat capacity and offering customers the additional choice of Premium Economy. Daily flights to be operated by a mix of A330 and 787 aircraft. 11 August 2025
Sydney-Dallas A380 to resume on the route for the first time since pre-COVID. Daily flights to be operated by a mix of A380 and 787 aircraft. 11 August 2025
Asia
Sydney-Seoul Qantas to cease flights. Jetstar to increase flights from four per week to daily from June, a 4 per cent increase in seats on the route. 14 June 2025
Darwin-Singapore Route to launch with new QantasLink A220 aircraft, operating five days per week. Previously scheduled to be operated by the E190, the aircraft change offers more than 50 additional seats on the route each week. 30 March 2025
Tasman and the Pacific
Brisbane-Auckland 787 to be introduced on the route for the first time, operating alongside 737 and A330 flights, a 40 per cent increase in seats on the route each year. 11 August 2025
Brisbane-Noumea Flights to resume after they were suspended in April, increasing from one to up to two per week, with the Embraer E190 aircraft operating on the route for the first time. 14 December 2024
Brisbane-Palau Weekly flights to be operated by Qantas’ B737 aircraft. Expected to launch in the coming months

Important Information

Disclaimer: *Subject to government and regulatory approval.