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Get ready San Francisco, Qantas is flying back

Qantas may have 'left its heart in San Francisco' four years ago, but the airline is finally returning and taking Aussie travellers with it.

Qantas may have ‘left its heart in San Francisco’ four years ago, but the airline is finally returning and taking Aussie travellers with it.

 

The Flying Kangaroo has expanded its partnership with American Airlines to make some slight adjustments to US services and offer Australians more travel options.

The biggest changes will see Qantas return to the Golden Gate City since exiting the destination in May 2011 – and American Airlines operate its first flights between Los Angeles and Sydney.

Qantas and American Airlines

American Airlines’ Doug Parker with Qantas’ Alan Joyce.

Qantas’ Sydney-San Francisco route will resume from December with flights on peak days.

This will increase to six flights per week in January 2016 on Qantas’ Boeing 747.

The aircraft will be moved from Qantas’ existing flights between Sydney and Los Angeles, which will be replaced by American Airlines’ new direct daily services between the two destinations starting from 19 December 2015.

This will replace four Qantas’ B747 Sydney to Los Angeles services per week and one Qantas B747 Melbourne to Los Angeles service per week.

San Francisco 2

American Airlines’ Trans-Pacific flights will be operated by its new B777-300ER featuring lie-flat seats in First and Business.

Qantas will retain its daily A380 Sydney to Los Angeles and Melbourne to Los Angeles services, as well as its B747 Brisbane-Los Angeles flights, and the airlines will codeshare on each other’s services.

The Flying Kangaroo’s return to San Francisco will meet demand for more travel direct to the city.

According to latest tourism statistics the city is growing as a strong leisure travel destination for Australian travellers.

In 2011, Australians were the third largest international market, following travellers from Canada and the UK.

Qantas boss, Alan Joyce added that San Francisco is currently the most popular onward destination for the airline’s customers visiting the US.

“We know there is a strong demand for direct flights, particulatly from our corporate clients who will save about four hours each way by not having to connect through LAX.”

Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO

“We expect to see the strong growth in U.S. visitors coming to Australia continue, because of the strengthening U.S. economy but also because of the investment AA will make in promoting their new route.”

Flights are still subject to regulatory approval.

Are you excited to see Qantas return to the Golden Gate City?