Qantas Dreamliner Flights Set For Queensland Take Off
Four of the national carrier's new Boeing 787-9s will be based in Brisbane, as the state-of-the-art aircraft gradually replaces the 747 on key routes. Dreamliner services from Brisbane to Hong Kong will start in December, with other destinations to follow.
Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, said the new Dreamliner base was great news for Qantas and Queensland, supporting jobs and driving international tourism to the state.
"We'll have 120 cabin crew and pilots based in Brisbane to operate the Dreamliner flights and a further 350 indirect jobs are expected to be created as a result," said Mr Joyce.
"The Dreamliner also opens up the potential to drive tourism to Queensland over the long term given the increased range of the 787. There are a number of new destinations we're considering for new direct services from Brisbane, including Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco in the US, as well as Vancouver and cities in Asia.
"The arrival of the Dreamliner is really exciting for our customers travelling from Brisbane. We've seen record customer satisfaction for the 787 on other parts of our network, from the next generation seats to the anti-jetlag measures.
"I'd like to acknowledge the support of the Queensland Government, Brisbane Airport Corporation and Tourism Australia for helping to make our new Brisbane Dreamliner base possible," added Mr Joyce
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Dreamliner would help the Queensland economy reach new heights.
"As Minister for Trade I know these destinations are vital not just for tourism but our trading partners; and we'll never forget the Q in Qantas stands for Queensland," the Premier said.
Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, said this weekend's launch will open up a new world of opportunities in the tourism, trade, investment, business and education sectors for many years to come.
"For travellers it will mean having access to more non-stop ultra-long haul routes direct to and from Brisbane in an aircraft that offers unparalleled passenger comfort, while also positioning Brisbane as the new gateway for access into North America, Asia and beyond.
"We look forward to boosting Brisbane Airport's global connectivity into currently unserved destinations within the flying range of the B787," Mr de Graaff said.
The launch of the 787s from Brisbane coincides with the announcement that from October, Qantas will offer Queensland-made wine to passengers travelling in its domestic and international Business Class cabins.
Three wines from the Granite Belt based Symphony Hill Wines were selected following the annual three-day blind tasting by Qantas Rockpool Sommeliers, including Cabernet sauvignon, Gewürztraminer and Nero d'avola.
Qantas last week announced its Brisbane International Lounge will be expanded to cater for an additional 100 guests and completed in early 2019 to support the growing demand for premium travel with the arrival of the Dreamliner.
Background
Qantas Operates 58 Return, Direct International Services Each Week From Brisbane To Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Noumea, Port Moresby, Singapore And Tokyo. The Airline Also Operates More Than 620 Return Services From Brisbane Per Week To 25 Destinations Across Its Domestic Network And More Than 390 Return Services Per Week To 20 Destinations Within Queensland.