Qantas has resumed direct flights between Perth and Johannesburg. The route was being served by South African Airways.
The Australian carrier has previously operated the route in the past but decided to halt the service due to operational issues at Perth International Airport.
Qantas thus now serves Johannesburg (its only African destination) from two destinations in Australia.
The relaunched Perth Johannesburg flight, joins Qantas’ direct service between Sydney and Johannesburg, which is operated by the Airbus A380.
The airline commenced passenger services to South Africa in September 1952. Back then, the journey was quite something.
Flights went from Sydney to Perth, and then onward to Johannesburg via the Cocos Islands and Mauritius before touching down in South Africa.
QANTAS RESUMES PERTH JOHANNESBURG FLIGHTS
The first resumed flight (QF65) departed Perth at 13.30 on Sunday 7 December, arriving in Johannesburg at 18.50 the same day.
Qantas will operate the route three times a week. Flights depart Perth on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Returning to Perth, the flight departs Johannesburg at 21.55 on the same day, arriving in Perth at 15.50 the following day.
The service is operated with an Airbus A330 aircraft.
AUCKLAND CONNECTION
Sunday 7 December also saw the arrival of Qantas’ first direct flight from Auckland (New Zealand) to Perth (Western Australia).
This service enables travellers from New Zealand to conveniently reach Johannesburg via Perth.
Auckland-Perth flights operate on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The aircraft then continues from Perth to Johannesburg.
Perth-Auckland flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Australia and New Zealand are home to large communities of South African expatriates. Therefore direct services are extremely popular for travellers from all points on this route.
“Today’s inaugural flight to Johannesburg is almost full and we’re seeing positive forward bookings, so we know there is strong appetite for direct travel between the West and South Africa, as well as Auckland,” Qantas CEO Cam Wallace said.
CONNECTING ACROSS AFRICA
Passengers can also travel to destinations beyond Johannesburg with these new flights.
Qantas operates a codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based Airlink, a full-service airline with flights to many destinations on the continent.
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