BY JAMES WILKINSON
Qantas is upgrading services on Sydney-Hong Kong flights with the addition of Airbus A380 aircraft on the route.
From January 15, 2012, Qantas will operate four A380 flights per week from Sydney to Hong Kong and the airline’s CEO Alan Joyce said because the destination was a key market for the flying kangaroo, it was important Qantas had the most superior product available for both the business and leisure markets.
“Qantas is set to offer passengers travelling to Hong Kong the latest in comfort and design. Our Creative Director Marc Newson has set a precedent in the long haul travel experience for customers wanting style and more space,” Joyce said.
“Our A380 fleet has continued to generate extremely positive feedback from our customers since its introduction, and we are pleased to now add another destination to our A380 network.”
Qantas’ 11th and 12th A380s are scheduled to be delivered by Airbus later this year, giving the airline to ability to launch services with the superjumbos.
The arrival of the new aircraft means Qantas will also increase Melbourne-Singapore-London A380 services to seven per week (up from six), while flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles will also increase to a daily operation.
To celebrate the launch of A380 flights to Hong Kong, tickets are on sale from Sydney for AUD$380 in Economy and AUD$938 in Premium Economy.
The sale and the addition of A380 flights to Hong Kong have been welcomed by peak industry body the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).
TTF Chief Executive John Lee said the addition of larger aircraft on the key Hong Kong-Sydney route would boost overseas arrivals.
“Hong Kong is a crucial source of business and leisure visitors to Australia in its own right, as well as providing a gateway into China, our fastest growing international source market,” Lee said.
“Providing top class product is a crucial element of tourism and today’s announcement by Qantas certainly fits that category.
“This is great news for the tourism industry in Sydney and great news for Australia and we look forward to welcoming the first Qantas A380 passengers from Hong Kong in January,” he said.