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Qantas has operated its first international flight from Adelaide in more than 10 years.
Flight QF175, a new seasonal service to Auckland, took off from Adelaide shortly before 9am on Friday, landing in Auckland just after 3:15pm local time. It is the first time the Flying Kangaroo has flown internationally out of Adelaide since the end of a Singapore service in 2013.
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“Today we’re celebrating a major milestone for Qantas and South Australians with the return of international flying from Adelaide,” Qantas International chief executive, Cam Wallace, said.
“South Australians can now reach New York in around 21 hours and with just one stop via Auckland on our QF3 service, while the new route also opens up greater opportunities for inbound connections throughout South Australia and beyond through our domestic network.
“We’ve seen significant growth across our international network over the past 18 months and we’re pleased to bring more of that choice and connectivity to South Australia.”
Operating until 3 May, the 737-800 service will fly four times per week, for a total of around 30,000 seats between the two cities.
SA Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison welcomed the route, which follows pressure from the state and federal governments for Qantas to bring back international flights from Adelaide.
“This new service direct to Auckland will further strengthen our state’s access to New Zealand, our fourth largest tourism market, which has seen huge growth, up 42 per cent on the last year to contribute $93 million to South Australia’s economy,” Minister Bettison said.
“This service also provides greater access to another key global market in North America – worth $118 million to our state – as it connects through to New York City with a single stop.”
The launch of the Qantas service follows the commencement of Air New Zealand’s seasonal connection between Adelaide and Christchurch on Tuesday, the first non-stop link between SA and the South Island.
Adelaide Airport’s managing director, Brenton Cox, said the route is another step towards Adelaide having its highest-ever number of international services by the end of the year.
“Nearly 50,000 people travel between Adelaide and the South Island each year, primarily for holidays or to visit family,” he said.
“This new non-stop service offers a seamless gateway to world-class destinations on both sides of the Tasman, making travel more convenient and appealing for South Australians and New Zealanders alike.”
The only other non-stop connection from Adelaide to New Zealand is currently an Air New Zealand service to Auckland, which will increase to six flights per week in November.
