American Airlines adds Brisbane port - its longest distance flight

The global carrier is adding a second Australian destination to its vast flight network, providing more choice for travellers on trans-Pacific routes.

American Airlines will put a new 787-9 on its Brisbane-Dallas Fort Worth route featuring 51 business class suites, up from 30 in the current model.

The world’s biggest airline is adding a second Australian destination to its vast network, providing more options for travellers on trans-Pacific routes.

From October 27, American Airlines will begin daily flights between Brisbane and Dallas Fort Worth, in what will be the longest route by distance for the carrier at 13,357km (8300 miles).

A new Boeing 787-9 will operate the flights over 14 hours and 20 minutes heading to the US and 15 hours and 55 minutes in the other direction.

American Airlines’ vice president of international operations Jose Freig said they were “super excited” about the seasonal service which would take off from Brisbane at 10am and land in Dallas-Fort Worth at 8.34am the same day (due to the 16-hour time difference).

“With this new route, our customers in Brisbane will have access to our largest US hub from where they can connect to explore much-loved destinations around the world; from sunny Miami, to the deep south in Rio de Janeiro and beyond,” Mr Freig said.

The new 787-9 would be configured with 51 “privacy” suites in business class, 21 more than American Airlines’ current format in that aircraft.

Inside the business class cabin of an American Airlines 787-9, which it will use on its new Brisbane-Dallas Fort Worth route.

American’s partner Qantas and rival United also fly out of Brisbane but Mr Freig was not willing to predict any significant falls in airfares as a result of the competition.

“I think we’re all offering competitive pricing,” he said.

“It’s hard to tell — fuel prices can go up, come down (but) I think things are stabilising, and we’re seeing more stability.”

Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said the entry of American into the Queensland market was a milestone locking in the 30th direct international connection from the gateway and its longest route.

“This underscores Brisbane’s allure as a global destination, and unlocks fresh tourism and business prospects for Queensland, with every jet providing export opportunities to the US,” Mr de Graaff said.

“Our partnership with American Airlines supercharges Brisbane Airport’s position as an aviation hub and Dallas Fort Worth will be Brisbane’s fourth gateway to North America, alongside Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.”

The Queensland government dipped into its $200m attracting aviation fund to help entice American Airlines to Brisbane, but would not reveal how much was paid.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the new flights were a “massive coup” for the state as international tourism continued to rebuild after the Covid devastation.

“This new American Airlines service also opens up so many new opportunities for Queensland businesses, both in Texas and across parts of the eastern and southern United States,” Mr Dick said.

“Dallas Fort Worth is one of the top five largest and busiest airports in the world and its metroplex is home to 24 Fortune 500 company headquarters.”

Editor of Executive Traveller David Flynn said American Airlines had considered flying out of Brisbane for many years and it was tipped to take wing shortly before the pandemic.

“This not only brings a welcome dose of competition to the skies, it offers a fresh choice for Brisbane and Queensland travellers,” Mr Flynn said.

American Airlines entered a joint venture with Qantas in 2015, with the partnership renewed in 2020 for five more years.

Originally published as American Airlines adds Brisbane port - its longest distance flight