Qantas is set to significantly expand its international operations with the addition of 220,000 seats, new aircraft, and a new destination as part of a strategic push to meet growing demand across the Asia Pacific and U.S. markets. The Australian national carrier announced today that the changes will take effect from February 2025, with a focus on optimizing its fleet and routes.
Qantas will introduce a new weekly route from Brisbane to Palau, adding the Pacific Island nation to its network for the first time. The route, dubbed the “Palau Paradise Express”, will be operated by Qantas’ Boeing 737 aircraft. The service is part of a contract with the Australian Federal Government, aimed at strengthening trade and tourism ties between Australia and Palau, known for its pristine waters and appeal to divers and hikers. Flights are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks.
Additionally, Qantas will increase capacity on several U.S. routes, including a 13% boost in seats to the United States. From August 2025, the airline’s Airbus A380 will return to the Sydney-Dallas route, while the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be reintroduced on the Brisbane-Los Angeles route, offering customers more premium seating options, including Premium Economy.
QantasLink’s new Airbus A220 to debut on Darwin-Singapore route
Another highlight of Qantas’ expansion is the debut of its QantasLink Airbus A220 aircraft on international routes. From March 2025, the larger 137-seat A220 will begin operating five weekly flights between Darwin and Singapore, replacing the originally planned Embraer E190. This change will add over 50 additional seats on each flight, enhancing capacity on this key route.
The A220 is part of Qantas Group’s fleet renewal program, gradually replacing its aging Boeing 717s. The new aircraft boasts nearly double the range of the 717 and opens up opportunities for more short-haul international routes, expanding QantasLink’s reach in the region.
Qantas’ expansion includes strategic adjustments to better match its aircraft to demand. From mid-June 2025, the airline will cease operations between Sydney and Seoul, a route that Jetstar, Qantas’ low-cost subsidiary, will take over with increased service. Jetstar will operate daily flights between the two cities, representing a 4% increase in available seats.
“These changes are part of our historic fleet renewal program and reflect our commitment to having the right aircraft on the right route while responding to growing customer demand,” said Qantas Group International CEO Cam Wallace. “With the addition of over 220,000 seats, new aircraft like the A220, and a new leisure destination like Palau, we are well-positioned to offer more choice for our customers across our network.”
Summary of network changes
- Brisbane-Palau: New weekly service with Boeing 737, launching in the coming months.
- Brisbane-Los Angeles: Boeing 787 Dreamliner to return, offering more premium seating, daily flights from August 11, 2025.
- Sydney-Dallas: Airbus A380 to resume daily flights from August 2025.
- Darwin-Singapore: QantasLink A220 to operate five weekly flights starting March 30, 2025.
- Sydney-Seoul: Qantas to cease flights; Jetstar increases service to daily from June 2025.
With these changes, Qantas aims to cater to growing demand, particularly in premium travel, while continuing to expand its presence in key international markets.
