Qantas is expanding its operations from Darwin in the Northern Territories of Austraila, with a link to Singapore.
Commencing on 9th December 2024, the new Qantas flights will add more than 60,000 seats on the route each year and provide visitors with access to the Northern Territories of Australia, whilst allowing residents to connect in Singapore with its London flight, as well as connections with Europe and Asia with its partners (Jetstar Asia, KLM, Emirates and Japan Airlines in the examples the airline has listed).
The route will operate five days a week with a two-class Embraer 190, increasing to daily flights in March 2025, flying for four hours and 45 minutes each way (subject to regulatory approval).
In terms of passenger experience, QantasLinks’s Embraer E190, business class features a 1-2 layout, whilst economy class features the standard Embraer 2-2 seating layout.
This route has been made possible by the establishment of the E190 base at Darwin Airport, with the size, range and economics of the aircraft opening up routes that wouldn’t be viable with larger aircraft, including the launch of international flights to Dili in 2022.
In Quotes
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said:
“We’re thrilled to be offering our customers another new international route out of Darwin and strengthening the important trade, business and tourism links between Australia and Singapore,” said Mr Wallace.
“The direct service is not just great news for Territorians wanting to visit Singapore, but also for those travelling to London, Europe and across Southeast Asia, with connections to popular destinations like Phuket and Kuala Lumpur with our partner airlines, saving hours of travel time.
“This new route also allows us to restore the link to the UK which was established when international borders first reopened after the pandemic and we temporarily re-routed our London flight via Darwin with the support of the Northern Territory Government and Darwin Airport.
“As the national carrier, we’re committed to showcasing the best of Australia to visitors from around the globe. This new service makes it much easier for Qantas customers from the UK, Europe and across Asia to incorporate Darwin into their Australian itinerary and experience everything the Territory has to offer.”
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden said the new service is a welcome addition to the Territory.
“This is a significant milestone for Darwin’s aviation capacity and fantastic news for Territorians looking for more choice, competitiveness and connectivity.
“The new flights will benefit locals wanting to travel overseas and also connect our ever-growing cohort of business travellers with international markets.
“Qantas’ commitment to the Territory reinforces our profile as a must-do destination for international visitors and we commend them on today’s announcement.”
Reestabisihing a a link
Qantas has had a history of flying into Darwin – with it the final Australian stop (or the first Australian, depending on which way you look at it) of the original Kangaroo Route between London and Sydney in 1935. The airline had operated services to Singapore from Darwin up until 2006 when the route was suspended.
For those in Darwin needing to access Asia and beyond – this will be an important link.
But 4 hours and 45 minutes in an E190 is a long time…
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