Qantas, Australia's national carrier, has initiated its very first Airbus A380 flight from Sydney to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the airline's operations to Africa. Departing Sydney at 09:58 local time on September 30, 2024, flight QF 63 is set to touch down in Johannesburg around 16:23 local time after a lengthy 14-hour and 25-minute journey. This new A380 service, operating up to six times a week, is projected to provide an additional 130,000 seats annually between Australia and Africa.

In an exciting development, Qantas is reintroducing First Class to the Sydney-Johannesburg route, a luxury option not available since 2018. The First Class cabin boasts 14 individual suites configured in an exclusive 1-1-1 layout, with the capability to transform into a spacious 212-centimeter bed. Additionally, the upgrade will more than double the number of Premium Economy seats offered on the route, enhancing the travel experience for passengers.

The enhancement in service comes hand in hand with Qantas' recent announcement of a new codeshare partnership with Airlink, a carrier based in Johannesburg. This collaboration promises to significantly broaden Qantas' network within South Africa, further strengthening travel connections between the two regions.

Reflecting on this milestone, Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace expressed enthusiasm, stating, "The A380 is a favorite among our frequent flyers, and it will be wonderful to witness the Flying Kangaroo in the land of the springbok. This increased capacity, coupled with our partnership with Airlink, will greatly expand travel choices for Qantas customers heading towards Africa, facilitating stronger bonds between families, businesses, and trade, while also bolstering the tourism sector across both sides of the Indian Ocean."

Qantas has a long-standing history of flying to South Africa, with the inaugural flight dating back to 1948 using a Lockheed Constellation L-749A aircraft. This launch marked the beginning of regular passenger services along the famous route known as the Wallaby Route, reminiscent of the iconic Kangaroo Route connecting Australia to London.

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