From today, Qantas begins its flagship A380 service from Sydney to Dallas replacing the 747’s that have connected the two cities since May 2011.
Touting the claim of “the world’s largest passenger aircraft flying the world’s longest route” – it’s a nod of the captains hat to both the size of the superjumbo and the 13,804km sector from Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth airport.
It’s also an extremely long flight with a potentially thigh numbing (in my 6ft 5″ case) 15 hours and 35 minutes on the direct QF7 Sydney-Dallas leg. The home leg, also a direct flight, is an extra hour again. Ouch. That’s a lot of movies to catch up on.
If you’re one of the lucky souls that’ll fly First Class, you’ll get to enjoy the multi mile marathon in one of it’s 14 gorgeous first class suites which feature not only superior comfort and service compared to business class, but a palate pleasing ten-course degustation menu designed by the one and only Neil Perry with matching wines.
Qantas A380 on Sydney-Dallas route a vote of confidence: Joyce. http://t.co/Dm7j1OXnKo #ausbiz pic.twitter.com/m2hv5weXKp
— The Australian (@australian) September 29, 2014
“Today, Qantas is leading the way again with the introduction of the world’s largest passenger aircraft on the world’s longest route, Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth, with a flying time of almost 16 hours. We know our customers will value the comfort of the A380 on this route, particularly for our award winning seat in every cabin, the sense of space and quiet, our entertainment options and the inflight hospitality.”
Alan Joyce, CEO Qantas Airways
First Class looking very appealing
Qantas states that the most popular cites for QF7 connections are Orlando, Boston, Houston and New York’s LaGuardia Airport. So given DFW is also the home port of QF partner American Airlines, passengers arriving on QF7 can transfer to direct flights to over 50 destinations in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Good news for those wanting to discover more.
To celebrate the milestone, Qantas painted its A380 aircraft operating the route with a special livery; the kangaroo on the tail features a traditional (JR inspired) Stetson hat with a neckerchief in the American-stars print, with a “G’Day Texas” emblem next to the forward doors.
There’s also a special Texas inspired menu across all classes until 5 October that even JR and Sue Ellen might have enjoyed from their Dallas days.
First: A mouth-watering 28-day Nolan dry aged cowboy rib eye complete with mac & cheese, wedge salad and a choice of mustard.
Business: Chipotle pork tortillas with sour cream and roasted corn and tomato salsa.
Premium Economy: Texas hot dogs with chilli black beans and chipotle mayonnaise.
Economy: A selection of old favourites including Dr Pepper, Cream Soda, Root Beer and Jolly Ranchers and pulled beef sliders as a snack option until March.
Qantas’ daily flights to Dallas are being trimmed back to six days a week though, with the new schedule dropping Tuesday departures from Sydney. However, the A380 flights will return to a daily flight over the 2014-2015 summer holiday season from December 9 2014 to January 20 2015.
