Latest news with #Qantas'
Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
The fifth longest flight in the world operates out of Melbourne – but a new Aussie route is set to be a record-breaker
Don't get us wrong, we love living in Melbourne (duh, have you been to our restaurants, bars and coffee spots?). But it's really not cute having to sit in a plane for 14-plus hours whenever we want to visit our fave overseas destinations. Nevertheless, we do it – and frequently. Did you know a popular route that connects Melbourne to the USA is actually one of the longest in the whole world? Qantas' Dallas to Melbourne route clocks in at around 14,472 kilometres – that's 17 hours and 35 minutes in the air. But that's nothing compared to Qantas' ambitious plan to launch a direct 20-hour flight between Sydney and London. So how do these local long-haul flights stack up against other routes? Let's find out. As of 2025, the world's longest flight is the 18-hour 50-minute journey between New York City and Singapore. First launched by Singapore Airlines in 2020, this 15,349-kilometre route is operated on an Airbus A350, which features 67 business class seats and just 94 premium economy seats (there are no standard economy seats on board). In that time, you could binge-watch all eight Harry Potter movies and still have one minute to spare. Singapore Airlines also runs the second-longest flight on Earth, an 18-hour and 45-minute journey spanning 15,344 kilometres from Newark in New Jersey to Singapore. If we're measuring by distance, Qatar Airways' Doha to Auckland route is the next longest, covering 14,535 kilometres in roughly 17 hours and 35 minutes. But if we're going off estimated flight duration, Qantas' Perth to London route takes the bronze, with the 14,499-kilometre journey taking around 17 hours and 45 minutes. The sixth longest flight in the world by distance also depart from Australia, and is also run by Qantas. The Perth to Paris flight follows at 14,264 kilometres (17 hours, 15 minutes). In 2027, all these flights will be bumped down the rankings when Qantas debuts its non-stop Sydney to Heathrow route. With an air time of around 20 hours across 17,015 kilometres, it'll be more than an hour longer than the current longest flight! Qantas has also teased a direct 18- or 19-hour flight from Sydney to New York, which will cover roughly 16,200 kilometres. However, we'll have to wait and see when this one is ready for takeoff. The 10 longest flights in the world, by miles New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) – 15,349km (18 hours, 50 minutes) Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN) – 15,344 km(18 hours, 45 minutes) Auckland (AKL) to Doha (DOH) – 14,535km (17 hours, 30 minutes) Perth (PER) to London (LHR) – 14,499km (17 hours, 45 minutes) Dallas (DFW) to Melbourne (MEL) – 14,472km (17 hours, 25 minutes) Perth (PER) to Paris (CGD) – 14,264km (17 hours, 15 minutes) New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL) – 14,207km (17 hours, 30 minutes) Auckland (AKL) to Dubai (DBX) – 14,200km (17 hours, 5 minutes) Shenzhen (SZX) to Mexico City (MEX) – 14,147km (16 hours, 20 minutes) Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN) – 14,114km (17 hours, 15 minutes)
Time Out
3 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
Sneak peek: Australia's ‘cleanest' airport just got a luxe new business class lounge
Flying out of Adelaide just got a whole lot fancier – well, at least for travellers with a hunk of frequent flyer points (or cash to burn). This month, Qantas unveiled its first domestic business lounge at Adelaide Airport, which was recently named the world's sixth cleanest airport for 2025. It's the airline's first all-new domestic business lounge since Melbourne in 2018, and possibly its most luxurious yet. Let's take a look inside. The signature offering of the new lounge is its sleek Market Kitchen, featuring a live cooking station inspired by Adelaide Central Market and producers across the state. Here, guests can order rotating dishes created by Qantas' Food and Beverage Director Neil Perry – think Skala Bakery pie floaters loaded with gravy and peas; lamb cutlets topped with chutney; or a hearty roast veggie paella. Lighter snacks are also available, designed by South Australian culinary treasure, Maggie Beer, alongside a standard buffet spread featuring local cheeses, charcuterie, bread and condiments from the likes of Barossa Fine Foods, Marino, Balfours and Udder Delights. Naturally, the lounge champions South Australia's world-class regional wines, pouring top drops from the likes of The Lane Vineyard, Penfolds and Torbreck. Open from midday, the bar also serves up a signature Adelaide Hills G&T, plus a non-alcoholic Maggie Beer sparkling ruby cabernet. The spirit of South Australia also shines in the lounge's decor, which takes inspiration from three of the state's most iconic locations: the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide Central Market and Kangaroo Island 's Flinders Chase National Park. These landscapes are portrayed through earthy green and light brown furniture, clay-red tiles in the buffet area and bathrooms, and a stunning blown-glass light installation by JamFactory. Whether you're in work or business mode, the lounge caters to every kind of traveller with a mix of solo nooks and social spaces. It has capacity for up to 190 guests, with 80 per cent of the seats equipped with power stations, including USB-A/C and wireless charging mats. Talk about high-tech! Access to Qantas' new Adelaide domestic business lounge is complimentary for Business Class passengers and Gold or Platinum Frequent Flyers. But if you're eager to experience the high life, you can also score access with the airline's new low-cost subscription models.
1News
6 days ago
- Business
- 1News
Air NZ to offer jet service between Hamilton and Christchurch
Air New Zealand will boost "regional connectivity" by reintroducing jet services and more seating between Hamilton and Christchurch. Starting September 18, select services will be operated by a 171-seat Airbus A320, bringing the first domestic jet service back to Hamilton after 25 years. The flights will run alongside the airline's current ATR 72 turboprop services, adding approximately 25,000 seats a year on the route. Air New Zealand chief executive officer Greg Foran said the introduction of the jet reflects the increasing demand for connectivity between the North and South Islands. "Whether customers are travelling for business, events, or to explore the stunning South Island, they'll benefit from the convenience this jet service provides," Foran said. ADVERTISEMENT Waikato Regional Airport chief executive Mark Morgan said the news is "fantastic news for Waikato, and a real vote of confidence in the strength of Hamilton as a regional hub". Two ATR aircraft will be replaced by the jets on the route and be redeployed across the regional network. The news comes as Christchurch welcomes Qantas' decision to increase their summer flights between the city and Australian destinations. Up to seven additional flights per week will be running between Sydney and Christchurch, and up to three additional flights per week between Melbourne and Christchurch. A320 schedule Christchurch to Hamilton: Depart 3pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Hamilton to Christchurch: Depart 5.05pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Christchurch Airport Wins Big As Qantas Boosts Summer Flight
Press Release – Christchurch Airport From 15 December to 26 January, Qantas will operate up to seven additional flights per week to Sydney and up to three additional flights per week to Melbourne, taking a significant share of an up to 20% increase in the airlines trans-Tasman schedule. Qantas has announced a major summer uplift for New Zealand – and Christchurch Airport is the big winner with a 47% increase in the number of flights to Sydney and a 26% increase in flights to Melbourne. From 15 December to 26 January, Qantas will operate up to seven additional flights per week to Sydney and up to three additional flights per week to Melbourne, taking a significant share of an up to 20% increase in the airline's trans-Tasman schedule. It's great news for Christchurch and the South Island, with more flights offering greater choice and flexibility for Kiwis and helping to attract even more Aussie visitors to experience the South Island's legendary adventures and scenery. Importantly, the new flights have been timed to connect seamlessly with Qantas' international services, offering travellers super convenient links to destinations across Asia and Europe. Whether it's a summer escape to Singapore, a cultural journey through Japan, or a white Christmas in London or Paris, the world just got closer. The additional services also mean families and friends can more easily reconnect over the busy holiday season. Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the extra flights build on Qantas' strong presence at the airport. 'This is fantastic news; it shows Qantas recognises the strength of the Christchurch and the South Island market. These extra flights are a win for tourism, trade and travel. They'll help businesses thrive and give Kiwis even more options.' Christchurch Airport's General Manager Aeronautical Development, Gordon Bevan, says the boost will be felt across the region. 'Aussies can't get enough of the South Island, and now it's even easier for them to fly straight here. More flights mean more visitors, more spending, and more benefits for our economy.' ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams say 'This is fantastic news for Ōtautahi Christchurch, it will give local businesses in our tourism sector a summer boost, while also supporting the city's exporters and innovators. Christchurch is an exciting destination right now and we can't wait to welcome more of our Australian neighbours to come play in our beautiful city and region.' The new flights can be booked from today
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Qantas bulks up New Zealand flights over peak summer holidays
Qantas will bulk up its trans-Tasman routes by an extra 60,000 seats over the peak summer holiday period. The 20 per cent boost in capacity throughout December and January will see the Sydney-Christchurch and Melbourne-Auckland routes gain seven additional flights each per week, with Sydney-Auckland getting six more. The Sydney-Wellington route will get five extra flights a week; Melbourne-Christchurch and Brisbane-Queenstown another three each; and Melbourne-Queenstown two more. The Flying Kangaroo said the increase would see it operate more than 3.3 million seats across the Tasman between January 2025 and January 2026, supporting tourism growth in both NZ and Australia. Additionally, Qantas the same day announced it would soon introduce its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on flights between Auckland Brisbane, bringing Premium Economy to the route and increasing premium seat choices for customers by up to 80 per cent. The 787 Dreamliner service will initially operate three times a week from August and increase to daily from October. This marked Qantas' second 787 service between Australia and NZ, in addition to flights between Auckland and Sydney as part of the airline's direct service to New York. Qantas international chief executive Cam Wallace said the increased capacity meant Qantas would have the most frequency between Australia and NZ in one of the busiest travel periods of the year. 'This capacity boost represents almost 60,000 more seats compared to last summer, giving our customers additional choice and more convenience as well as supporting tourism and economic growth in both markets,' he said. Tourism New Zealand regional director Australia Andrew Waddel said the extra flights across all four major ports would mean even more options for travellers to kick start their Aotearoa getaway. 'We know Australians are interested in exploring the country's tranquil coastlines, world-class cycling trails and unique food and wine, and the longer days and warmer weather make it a fantastic time of year to experience it all and more,' he said. It comes just weeks after Qantas revealed it would launch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg and Auckland from early December. The flights would operate three times a week on an Airbus A330, offering 224 economy and 27 business class seats.
