Outta here, west & east, with new direct flights

Two new direct flights out of Perth — in opposite directions — were launched this week.

For the new Qantas direct flight which has resumed to Johannesburg, South Africa, actually begins (and the return flight ends) in Auckland, New Zealand.

Flight QF65 left Perth Airport on Sunday (December 7) for Johannesburg, after arriving as QF112 from Auckland — the first Qantas service connecting New Zealand with WA.

A Qantas spokesperson calculates that adds more than 150,000 seats in and out of Perth each year.

CEO Qantas International Cam Wallace says: “The response from customers since we announced these routes in May has been terrific.” He adds that the inaugural flight to Johannesburg was “almost full” and there are positive forward bookings.

“These routes unlock more options and greater choice for all Australians to connect to the world through our growing network, including to popular cities like Cape Town through our partnership with Airlink in South Africa,” he adds.

A Qantas spokesperson says: “These flights have been made possible by funding allocated from the Federal Government to Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry to deliver additional border services at airports.

“The funding enabled Perth Airport to invest in additional staffing, equipment and facilities that increase border and biosecurity capacity and in turn allow the airport to host more international flights.”

THE FLIGHTS

Perth to Johannesburg (QF65).

+ Three weekly flights operating on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

+ Qantas A330 with 27 Business Class seats in 1-2-1 configuration (each featuring direct aisle access and converting into a lie-flat bed) and 224 Economy seats.+ Flight time approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes.

Perth to Auckland (QF111).

+ Three weekly flights operating on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

+ Same A330 aircraft configuration.

+ Flight time approximately six hours and 45 minutes.