Qantas boosts international network with A220
Qantas is set to expand its international network with new routes, additional aircraft, and schedule adjustments to meet rising demand in the Asia Pacific and US markets.
From February 2025, the airline will increase its international seat capacity by around 220,000 over 12 months, driven by a series of key changes.
A significant boost will come with the launch of a new Brisbane-to-Palau route, alongside the return of two Airbus A380s to service after maintenance and upgrades, and the arrival of next-generation A220 aircraft for QantasLink.
Qantas will increase capacity to the United States by 13%, with a 30% rise in premium seats on long-haul flights, thanks to the reintroduction of more A380s from August next year.
The airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners will also return to Brisbane, offering more seats and the option of Premium Economy for flights to Los Angeles and Auckland.
In a move that adds Palau to its network for the first time, Qantas will begin weekly flights from Brisbane to the Pacific island nation, using its 737 aircraft.
Branded the ‘Palau Paradise Express’, the service is part of a contract awarded by the Federal Government, aimed at supporting tourism and trade links between Australia and Palau. The route is expected to launch soon, with flights going on sale in the coming weeks.
QantasLink’s new A220 aircraft will also make its international debut on the Darwin-to-Singapore route from March.
Initially set to launch with Embraer E190s, the larger 137-seat A220 will now operate the route five times a week, offering over 70,000 seats annually.
The A220, which is gradually replacing Qantas’ ageing fleet of Boeing 717s, offers greater range and opens opportunities for new short-haul international routes.
