In an investor presentation, Qantas has shared that they’re looking at service from Australia to both Seattle and Chicago – as well as Paris.
Qantas planned to launch Brisbane to Chicago in 2020, but COVID hit.
Paris has been hinted at more often with Project Sunrise A350s from Sydney/Melbourne, but the 787 would likely be Perth to Paris. pic.twitter.com/7TWx9Zuk67
— Ishrion Aviation (@IshrionA) May 29, 2023
A year and a half ago Qantas was talking up Chicago and Seattle so this isn’t entirely new.
Indeed, Chicago – Brisbane was announced in 2019 but didn’t happen due to the pandemic. Air New Zealand flies Auckland to Chicago.
Sydney – Chicago was on the radar in 2015 when Qantas and American announced their more tightly-integrated joint venture. However Brisbane – Chicago is a shorter flight. Expect the ‘Project Sunrise‘ ultra-long range Airbus A350 to be needed for a Sydney – Chicago flight, while they can pull of their longest U.S. flight with a Boeing 787-9.
American can provide some connectivity in Chicago. Alaska Airlines has been a been a Qantas partner for years but is now a member of oneworld as well, and can provide Seattle feed, though the local market seems limited and the regional market not well-served from San Francisco as well (and Air Canada flies from Vancouver).
Meanwhile, Paris is an obvious non-stop destination once Qantas receives their ordered aircraft which can make it non-stop from Australia’s East Coast.
UA is larger in ORD compared to AA and could really squeeze Qantas if they decided to launch competing service.
@Daniel UA would have a hard time with SYD-ORD. The 787-9 would struggle to make it and even if they had a gross weight upgrade, there just isn’t room for any more fuel.
No, I think United would be most likely to launch BNE-ORD. They have been quite focused on Brisbane lately and already have SFO – BNE, which will soon be daily and they will also be launching BNE – LAX soon, so I think United have got their eyes on Brisbane
I think United have seen that Brisbane lacks flights and has being overlooked by Qantas, as well as being a hub for United’s partner, Virgin Australia, so I think they can see heaps of potential through Brisbane airport and a lack of competition