Qantas launches A380 Superjumbo service to Johannesburg and codeshare with Airlink | Travellers will make history today onboard Qantas’ inaugural Airbus A380 flight from Johannesburg to Sydney, the first time the national carrier has operated the Superjumbo from Africa.
The A380 will fly up to six times per week and see a near-doubling of capacity, with an extra 130,000 seats between South Africa and Australia annually.
The Qantas A380 has a capacity for 485 passengers across four cabins. The introduction of the Superjumbo saw the return of First Class on the route for the first time since 2018.
Qantas First features 14 individual suites arranged in an exclusive 1-1-1 configuration and convert into a 212-centimetre bed.
The upgauge will also more than double the number of Premium Economy seats available between the cities. The mega aircraft also features an upper deck lounge for passengers in First and Business, with booth-style seating for 10 people, a self-service bar and an option to order signature drinks and snacks.
Qantas first touched down 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 commenced along the same route in September 1952 using a Lockheed Constellation L-749A. The journey took 66 hours and became affectionately known as the Wallaby Route – a nod to the Kangaroo Route from Australia to London.
Today, the Flying Kangaroo’s flights are nonstop, with the upgauge heralding the first A380 flight by any airline across the southern Indian Ocean. The Australian national carrier also intends to relaunch flights from Johannesburg to Perth from mid-2025, subject to meeting border agency requirements in Western Australia.
Qantas and Airlink establish codeshare
The significant increase in capacity comes as Qantas announces a new codeshare partnership with Airlink, substantially expanding its inbound network into South Africa.
Qantas will add the QF code on Airlink’s domestic network, enabling seamless connectivity between Qantas flights to Johannesburg and nine South African.
“We are seeing strong demand for our Sydney 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.
“Qantas has a rich history of flying between South Africa and Australia over the past 72 years, having operated Constellations and Super Constellations, Electras, 707s, 747s, Dreamliners and now the A380.
“The A380 is a favourite among our frequent flyers and it will be great to see the Flying Kangaroo in the land of the springbok. This extra capacity will significantly expand the options for Qantas customers heading to Australia, strengthening the connections between family and friends, business and trade as well as give a big boost to the South African tourism industry.”
All Qantas international fares include checked baggage allowance, food and beverages and inflight entertainment as standard with every booking.
The carrier hopes to add additional Airlink destinations in nearby southern African countries over the coming months, pending regulatory approval.
AviationGhana | Qantas launches A380 Superjumbo service to Johannesburg and codeshare with Airlink
