Qantas has launched a new direct flight from Brisbane to Manila, boosting connectivity between Australia and the Philippines.
The new four-times-weekly service, operated by an Airbus A330, will add over 100,000 seats annually between the two countries.
The service also complements Qantas’ existing daily flights from Sydney to Manila, strengthening the carrier’s presence in the Southeast Asian nation. In addition, New Zealanders will have easier connections through Brisbane to the Philippines.
Qantas flight QF97 departs Brisbane on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, with 269 economy seats and 27 business class suites in a 1-2-1 configuration – each with direct aisle access and a lie-flat option.
Qantas’ history in the Philippines dates back to 1947, and the airline now operates over 300,000 seats annually between the two countries.
The new Brisbane-Manila route follows Qantas’ recent expansion to Palau and upgrades to its Auckland and Los Angeles services. The airline has also added extra flights to Singapore from Brisbane.
“The Philippines is a very strong market for Qantas and we are pleased to be responding to demand for our services with new flights from Brisbane,” Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said.
“We know a lot of customers travel to Manila via Sydney, so this new direct flight will make it easier and faster for Queenslanders to get to the Philippines in a single hop.
“With a fascinating history and culture, a vast archipelago of over 7,000 islands and hospitality known the world over, the Philippines is a fantastic destination for Australians thinking about their next getaway.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said, “The addition of this Qantas service further strengthens Brisbane Airport’s connections into Southeast Asia”.
“The Philippines is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a key trading partner for Queensland.
“With our state home to a vibrant Filipino community, the business and tourism opportunities generated by this expanded connectivity will no doubt be a success.”
