Qantas unveils new international route from an Aussie airport not used for overseas in half decade
All eyes are on Queensland, as Qantas unveils a new route out of the sunshine state not used by the carrier in half a decade.
The Sunshine state has welcomed a new international route, from a port not serviced by Australia’s national carrier for overseas flights in more than half a decade.
On Monday, Qantas unveiled the Gold Coast will open up flights to Auckland from June next year — marking the long awaited return of international flying from the port for the carrier since pre-Covid.
The route, according to the airline, will see 52,000 seats added annually across the ditch by operating three flights each week year-around. It means the airline will be the only carrier to offer a business class cabin across the Tasman between the two ports.
“Today marks a huge milestone for the Gold Coast with Qantas international services returning after almost five years. There’s been real demand for a premium option to Auckland and we’re the only airline offering business class on this route,” Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said in a statement.
“Our new Auckland to Samoa service launching the same day gives Sydney and Brisbane travellers near-daily Qantas connectivity to the Pacific, strengthening our trans-Tasman and Pacific network.”
The announcement comes as a new ritzy lounge is set to open its doors at Auckland’s International Lounge — just as ports around the world brace for the busy Christmas period.
The new and improved lounge – which is 60 per cent larger than the previous space and will allow 370 passengers access across dedicated zones within the lounge for dining, relaxing and working.
Mr Wallace hopes the new lounge — along with the new Aussie route — will allow passengers exiting New Zealand “more space and premium facilities to enjoy ahead of the holidays.”
“Our customers tell us the lounge experience is an important part of their journey, which is why we’re investing in our award-winning lounge network around the globe,” he said, adding “Auckland is a key hub connecting our customers across the Tasman and around the world.
“The new Auckland lounge celebrates the best of New Zealand and has been thoughtfully designed for how our customers want to use the space, whether that’s working, relaxing over a meal, or freshening up during transit.”
According to the carrier, New Zealand’s produce and local wine will feature heavily in the dining area which will have a buffet, gelato station and a cocktail bar serving up premium beverages and barista-made coffee.
The Qantas Auckland International Lounge will officially open on December 17.
