Qantas reworks international schedule ahead of A380s return, adding widebody to NZ route

The airline is reworking its international schedule ahead of the return of two A380s, with routes across the Tasman the major beneficiary.

The long-awaited return of Qantas’ final two A380s is helping to transform the airline’s network, with a dramatic ramp up in trans-Tasman flying among the changes.

Due to arrive back in Australia by year’s end after an extended stay at an Abu Dhabi maintenance facility, the superjumbos will replace Boeing 787s on some routes, including Sydney-Dallas Fort Worth.

It’s a much-needed boost to Qantas’ widebody fleet, with new A350-1000s not due to start arriving until late next year before going into service in 2027.

Qantas has 10 A380s after making the decision to part-out two of the double-deckers post-Covid, but only seven are currently in service due to maintenance delays and cabin upgrades.

As a result of their return, Qantas will put a 787 on Brisbane-Auckland three times a week from August to compete with Air New Zealand’s freshly retrofitted Dreamliners on the route.

From October, the Qantas 787s will fly daily between Brisbane and Auckland in the place of a 737, giving passengers access to 42 lie-flat beds and 28 premium economy seats.

Qantas will add a 787 to the Brisbane-Auckland route from August, to compete with Air New Zealand’s freshly retrofitted Dreamliners.

Another 787 coming off Melbourne-Delhi at the end of June will replace A330s on Brisbane-Los Angeles from October.

Other changes include a 20 per cent capacity boost on trans-Tasman routes in December and January, to meet strong reciprocal demand across the ditch.

Sydney-Christchurch and Melbourne-Auckland will gain an extra seven flights a week in this period; Sydney-Auckland an additional six flights a week, and Sydney-Wellington five more.

Extra services are also planned on routes to Queenstown, using Boeing 737-800s freed up over the summer by reduced demand for Golden Triangle corporate flying.

Qantas is also adding Adelaide to Auckland from October, in the airline’s return to international flying out of the South Australian capital.

New Zealand continues to be Australia’s biggest source of overseas visitors, helped by the large friends and relatives market.

Heading in the other direction, New Zealand has maintained the number one spot for Australian overseas departures ahead of Indonesia, since December 2024.

In fact, more than 200,000 Australians returned from New Zealand in January 2025, which was one of the largest monthly results across the Tasman on record.

Inside Air New Zealand’s retrofitted 787 soon to start flying Brisbane-Auckland. Picture: Supplied

Qantas international chief executive Cam Wallace said the capacity increases meant Qantas would have the most frequency between Australia and New Zealand in one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

“This capacity boost represents almost 60,000 more seats compared to last summer, giving our customers additional choice and more convenience as well as supporting tourism and economic growth in both markets,” said Mr Wallace.

Tourism New Zealand regional director Andrew Waddel said the increased services across all four major ports, meant there were more options for travellers to kickstart their Aoteoroa getaway.

“We know Australians are interested in exploring the country’s tranquil coastlines, world-class cycling trails and unique food and wine, and the longer days and warmer weather make it a fantastic time of year to experience it all and more,” said Mr Waddel.

“We welcome the increase in capacity from Qantas and look forward to our Australian friends experiencing all Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer.”

In a further welcome development for Qantas ahead of the busy summer holiday period, 300 aircraft maintenance engineers who staged a series of strikes last year coinciding with key dates have now reached agreement.

More than 80 per cent of the workers voted in favour of the four-year deal, including 3 per cent annual pay rises, new training opportunities and new pay scales.

A Qantas spokesman said the agreement would give the engineering employees access to new career pathways and upskilling opportunities.

“Agreements like this help ensure a sustainable future for our business as we enter an exciting chapter for our people and our customers with new aircraft arriving,” said the spokesman.

Originally published as Qantas reworks international schedule ahead of A380s return, adding widebody to NZ route