Qantas will launch the first non-stop seasonal service between Sydney and Las Vegas, as part of an expansion that includes new generation aircraft operating on international routes.
The seasonal flights to Las Vegas, announced during the carrier’s first half results today, will run from late this year through to Mar, and will save up to five hours in travel time ex Australia. QF International ceo Cam Wallace says strong demand for international travel is driving its expansion of seasonal services to destinations like Las Vegas.
“Our historic fleet renewal is giving us the flexibility to deploy aircraft where we see demand, opening up route possibilities that simply weren’t there before.”
. . . Profit Up
The news comes as the carrier announces a solid first half pretax profit of AUD1.46 billion which it says was driven by strong demand, its two-brand strategy and efficiencies from new aircraft.
The figure is up AUD71 million on the previous corresponding period, and highlights the gains the carrier is making in this region.
. . . Loyalty Revamp
At the same time QF ceo Vanessa Hudson says the changes to the QF Frequent Flyer announced today are the biggest in the loyalty program’s history.
Under the new offering, members will have the ability to roll over unused status credits and earn them through everyday spending for the first time.
There are also enhanced tier benefits (including an extra lounge invite for Silver members).
. . . Trends
QF is also reporting strong demand for its premium cabins and Jetstar is carrying more people to popular leisure destinations, she says.
New aircraft are enabling the group to meet this demand and the carrier says it has already received around 40 of the 200-plus new aircraft it has on order.
In addition, QF says test flights will begin shortly for Project Sunrise non-stop flights to New York and London.
The first A350-1000ULR aircraft (which will operate on the route) is expected to arrive later this year. The airline’s new A321XLRs will start flying internationally in Oct, connecting Brisbane and Manila and leveraging its extra long-range capability.
In addition, during the past six months the QF Group launched 13 new routes.
