Inaugural A380 Flights Between Australia And South Africa Launch

The A380 will operate up to six times per week, nearly doubling capacity with an additional 130,000 seats available each year between Australia and Africa. The flight from Sydney to Johannesburg takes 14 hours and 40 minutes, while the return journey from Johannesburg to Sydney is 11 hours and 55 minutes.

This substantial increase in capacity comes alongside Qantas’ announcement of a new codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based carrier Airlink, greatly expanding its network within South Africa.

The Qantas A380 accommodates 485 passengers across four cabins, marking the return of First Class on the route for the first time since 2018. Qantas First Class features 14 suites arranged in an exclusive 1-1-1 configuration, converting into beds that measure 212 centimetres. The upgrade will also increase the number of Premium Economy seats available on this route.

Additionally, the mega aircraft includes an upper deck lounge for First—and Business-Class passengers, featuring booth-style seating for 10, a self-service bar, and the option to order signature drinks and snacks.

“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,” said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.

“Qantas has a rich history of flying to South Africa over the past 72 years, operating various aircraft including Constellations, Super Constellations, Electras, 707s, 747s, Dreamliners, and now the A380.

“The A380 is a favourite among our frequent flyers, and it will be fantastic to see the Flying Kangaroo in the land of the springbok.

“This extra capacity, combined with our new codeshare with Airlink, will significantly expand options for Qantas customers heading to Africa, strengthening connections between family and friends, business and trade, and supporting the tourism industry on both sides of the Indian Ocean.”

Fares for the new A380 flights are now available at qantas.com and through travel agents. Codeshare connections on Airlink will launch tomorrow for travel starting in late October 2024. All Qantas international fares include a checked baggage allowance, food and beverages, and inflight entertainment as standard with every booking.

Qantas first arrived in South Africa in 1948 with a Lancastrian survey flight from Sydney via Perth, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Mauritius to Johannesburg. The first passenger services began along the same route in September 1952 using a Lockheed Constellation L-749A. This journey took 66 hours and was affectionately dubbed the Wallaby Route in reference to the Kangaroo Route from Australia to London.

Today, the Flying Kangaroo’s flights are nonstop, with this upgrade marking the first A380 flight by any airline across the southern Indian Ocean.

The national carrier also plans to relaunch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg by mid-2025, subject to meeting border agency requirements.

Qantas will add the QF code to Airlink’s domestic network, enabling seamless connectivity between Qantas flights to Johannesburg and nine South African destinations, including Cape Town, Durban, and Hoedspruit. Pending regulatory approval, the carrier hopes to expand this network to additional Airlink destinations in nearby southern African countries in the coming months.

By codesharing with Airlink, Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn Qantas Points and Status Credits and utilize Points Plus Pay for their flights.

Fast Facts

• The inaugural A380 flights have full passenger loads in both directions.
• With the increased capacity, Qantas will operate over 280,000 seats per year between Australia and South Africa.
• This is the world’s only A380 flight that crosses the Southern Indian Ocean. On clear days, customers flying a southerly route can often see Antarctica.
• Flight times:
  • Sydney to Johannesburg: 14 hours and 40 minutes
  • Johannesburg to Sydney: 11 hours and 55 minutes
• Qantas has eight active A380s in its fleet of 10, with the remaining two set to return to service over the next 18 months.
• In addition to Johannesburg, Qantas flies its A380s to Los Angeles, Singapore, and London.

Airlink Codeshare

Airlink is a Johannesburg-based, full-service regional airline that serves a comprehensive network of destinations throughout Southern Africa. It operates an all-jet fleet of Embraer aircraft from hubs in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.

• Established in 1992, Airlink has over 65 aircraft operating to over 45 destinations across Africa.
• New Qantas codeshare destinations in South Africa with Airlink include:
  • Bloemfontein
  • Cape Town
  • Durban
  • East London
  • George
  • Hoedspruit
  • Nelspruit
  • Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
  • Skukuza

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