Today represents a historic moment for Qantas as the Flying Kangaroo launches its first-ever A380 flight to Johannesburg. The launch marks the Aussie carrier’s debut of the Airbus superjumbo in Africa and signifies a major expansion of Qantas’ presence in the continent.
Marking the first A380 flights across the Southern Indian Ocean, Qantas’ upgauged service will operate up to six times per week, nearly doubling capacity and offering an additional 130,000 seats between Australia and Africa annually.
In addition to the A380 service, Qantas has announced plans to relaunch direct flights between Perth and Johannesburg in mid-2025.
The dual service – Sydney-Johannesburg and Perth-Johannesburg – shows how Southern Africa, and in particular South Africa, could be featuring in the holiday plans of more and more Aussie travellers. But it’s also great news for two-tourism. And QF’s increased capacity will certainly help facilitate this.
Furthermore, the airline has also revealed a new codeshare partnership with Airlink, expanding its network to nine domestic destinations within South Africa – including Cape Town and Durban. It says it also has plans to add destinations to neighbouring countries in the future.
“We are seeing strong demand for our Johannesburg services and, by upgrading to the Superjumbo, we will nearly double capacity during peak periods, adding over 130,000 seats per year between the continents,” Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said.
“Qantas has a rich history of flying to South Africa over the past 72 years, having operated Constellations and Super Constellations, Electras, 707s, 747s, Dreamliners and now the A380.
“The A380 is a favourite among our frequent flyers and it will be great to see the Flying Kangaroo in the land of the springbok.
“This extra capacity, combined with our new codeshare with Airlink, will significantly expand the options for Qantas customers heading to Africa, strengthening the connections between family and friends, business and trade as well as supporting the tourism industry on both sides of the Indian Ocean.”
With room for 485 passengers across four cabins, the A380 also brings back first class to the route for the first time since 2018.
Along with 14 shiny first-class suites, the service will feature a premium economy cabin almost double the previous size as well as an upper deck lounge, which boasts booth-style seating, a self-service bar and the option to order signature drinks and snacks.
Qantas‘ journey to South Africa began in 1948 with a multi-stop survey flight – and the airline says its current nonstop flights are a testament to its commitment to connecting Australia and Africa.
Fares for the A380 flights are available now, with Airlink codeshare services available tomorrow for travel from late October.
In September, Qantas also unveiled a new non-stop service between Melbourne and Honolulu from early May 2025 and kicked off its new Brisbane-Port Vila (Vanuatu) service.
