SYDNEY- Qantas (QF) announced an increase to its existing flights from Sydney (SYD) to New York (JFK) via Auckland (AKL), starting October 10. The airline will operate six weekly non-stop flights between these cities, up from the current four.
The Dreamliner service, originating in Sydney (SYD), competes directly with Air New Zealand (NZ) on this route. However, Air New Zealand currently offers only three weekly flights due to a shortage of ultra-long-haul aircraft.
Qantas New York Flights
Alexandra O’Connor, Qantas regional manager for New Zealand, cited strong demand as the reason for the increased frequency. While primarily targeting the Australian market, up to 20% of seats are occupied by New Zealand passengers, many of whom connect to other destinations through Qantas’ alliance partners, The New Zealand Herald Reported.
The Auckland-New York flight, operating at JFK Airport, serves as a gateway for passengers connecting to European destinations, with London (LHR), Paris (CDG), and Madrid (MAD) being the top choices.
O’Connor emphasized the route’s importance as a flagship service for Qantas, noting its dual point-of-sale advantage from Sydney and Auckland. The service, which began in June with three weekly flights, has garnered positive customer feedback and repeat business.
Qantas has occasionally offered return fares below $1500, with the increased capacity potentially leading to generally lower prices. The airline aims to balance value with demand-based pricing during peak periods.
New Zealand represents Qantas’ largest region outside Australia in terms of passenger numbers, employee base (1200 staff), and frequent flyer community (over one million members). The airline operates up to 170 trans-Tasman flights weekly, with 80% of its crew from New Zealand, including those staffing the Auckland-New York flights.
As part of its efforts to reinvigorate its presence in New Zealand and recover from recent reputational challenges, Qantas is launching a new brand campaign. The campaign features a commercial showcasing the true story of a Kiwi-Aussie couple who met while traveling overseas.
Going head-to-head with NZ
Qantas is set to surpass Air New Zealand in seat capacity from Christchurch later this year, expanding its connections to its growing long-haul network. The Australian carrier will offer Kiwi customers access to over 95 destinations and 1200 global destinations through partner airlines.
Qantas already leads in international seat capacity from Wellington and hints at potential further expansion. The airline is considering resuming non-stop flights between New Zealand and Perth as early as next year. Its budget subsidiary, Jetstar (JQ), is increasing domestic capacity in New Zealand.
Alexandra O’Connor, Qantas’ head of international, promises more announcements later this year, suggesting developments across both Qantas and Jetstar brands.
On the Auckland-New York route, Qantas outpaces Air New Zealand in frequency and aircraft suitability. Qantas operates 787 Dreamliners specifically configured for the 14,200km journey, featuring 236 seats compared to Air New Zealand’s 275.
The Australian carrier’s business class offers more privacy and space than Air New Zealand’s outdated herringbone layout.
Qantas’ Dreamliners are premium-heavy, with 42 business class seats versus Air New Zealand’s 27, potentially yielding stronger returns. Air New Zealand plans to address this disparity with eight new Dreamliners on order and a $400 million retrofit of its existing fleet, starting in October.
Chris Hunter, Helloworld general manager, notes that Qantas’ increased frequency enhances access for New Zealanders to New York and the broader eastern United States.
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