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Qantas on Sunday launched its new service from Darwin to Singapore, marking the carrier’s first direct flights between the two destinations in 19 years.
The 737, VH-VZY, departed Darwin at 3:06pm on Sunday, 30 March, as flight QF113 and landed in Singapore at 6:03pm local time.
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The service will operate four times per week using 737s before switching to five times per week in October using newer A220s.
“By adding over 70,000 new seats to the Singapore mega hub, this new route will open up more options for international visitors to make Darwin the first stop on their Australian itinerary,” Cam Wallace, the airline’s international chief executive, said.
“2025 is a year of growth for Qantas and Jetstar in the NT, with over 180,000 extra seats and two new routes including Singapore with Qantas and the Gold Coast with Jetstar later this year.”
Australian Aviation previously reported how Qantas initially planned to begin the route in December last year using E190s before switching to A220s and then 737s, albeit temporarily.
As the 737 is a larger aircraft, the route will maintain roughly the same seat capacity despite flying one fewer service per week. Flights will arrive in Singapore in time to connect with Qantas’ QF1 services from Sydney to London via Singapore.
According to Qantas, this new change will allow more training time for former 717 pilots on the new aircraft type, which is operating QantasLink domestic flights on the east coast.
The 137-seater A220s are replacing QantasLink’s ageing Boeing 717 fleet and offer a greater range and better fuel efficiency as well as cabin improvements, including larger windows, more overhead locker space, and more comfortable economy seating compared to the 717.
QantasLink currently operates six A220s, with a total order of 29 on the way by the end of 2027.
Qantas is starting its major fleet renewal program, which will see the airline move from a predominantly Boeing to an Airbus airline.
Internationally, Qantas will receive 12 new 787 Dreamliners and 12 Airbus A350s to replace the bulk of its ageing A330 fleet, alongside a separate order for 12 specially adapted A350-1000 jets to launch Project Sunrise.
Domestically, the airline will also purchase 20 Airbus A321XLRs to fly its domestic routes, but with the option to buy many more. The first A321XLR is expected to arrive early this year.
Finally, subsidiary brand Jetstar has already begun welcoming its new fleet of A320neo family aircraft, with 22 A321neo LRs now in service, as well as three A320neos, the first of which began revenue flights at the end of last year.
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says:Seriously? a 737? Couldn’t they wait for a better aircraft? Surely, if it’s a new route, they would try to use the latest technology for the best effect.