After hitting pause on the service for three years, Qantas has recommenced its Melbourne-Hong Kong flights today.
Initially, a three-times-weekly service, Qantas flight QF29 will increase to four times per week from mid-July and then daily from October.
Qantas says bookings on the reinstated route are “performing well both inbound and outbound”, especially during the upcoming winter school holiday period.
It also expects the service to boost Aussie tourism, with Melbourne-bound travellers able to connect with Qantas’ domestic network across Australia.
“Hong Kong has traditionally been one of our most popular destinations and we’re really pleased to be flying there direct from Melbourne once again,” Qantas International CEO Cameron Wallace said.
“As well as providing a convenient service to Victorian-based business travellers and holidaymakers, the flights will also help entice more tourists to Victoria to experience some of Australia’s best wine regions and Melbourne’s popular dining culture.
“We are continuing to expand our international network out of Victoria to support customer demand and this launch comes just in time for the Winter holiday period, making it easy for Victorians to escape to Hong Kong for a short break.”
Eligible passengers can also access Qantas’ recently reopened Hong Kong International Lounge, refreshed in the airline’s $100 million global lounge network investment.
Big three
According to Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) data, Hong Kong was Melbourne’s third-most popular overseas destination in 2019, after Singapore and Auckland.
As it continues to restore international capacity following the COVID-19 pandemic, Qantas expects to return to around 100 per cent of its global network by March 2024.
It is currently operating at about 85 per cent of its 2019 levels, up from just 45 per cent a year ago.
Last weekend, the flying kangaroo resumed its seasonal service between Perth and Rome.
It also recently revealed its entire cabin design including a world-first ‘Wellbeing Zone’ for its A350s that will fly nonstop to New York City and London.
Last month, Qantas announced a raft of major updates to its international network, including a big boost to services to the US and across Asia and multiple new routes.
