Qantas Expands Non-Stop Flights to India Amid Fleet Enhancements

Australia’s flagship airline, Qantas, is set to expand its operations in India as it undergoes a significant fleet upgrade. The introduction of the new Airbus A350-1000 and Airbus A321XLR will free up existing Boeing 787 aircraft, allowing Qantas to enhance its non-stop flight offerings between Australia and the Indian subcontinent.

Cam Wallace, Qantas International Chief Executive Officer, shared insights with Executive Traveller regarding the airline’s current success with its two non-stop services to India. He emphasized the airline’s commitment to redeploying the right aircraft to meet growing demand in this lucrative market. Currently, Qantas operates services to India using its Airbus A330 fleet, which Wallace noted may not be the best fit for these routes.

Fleet Expansion and Route Development

With the arrival of the A350-1000, Qantas expects to optimize its fleet configuration. This change will enable the carrier to repurpose existing and new Boeing 787 Dreamliners for additional services to India and potentially Sri Lanka. Qantas has placed an order for twelve A350-1000 and 787 aircraft, which are intended to replace its aging A330 fleet.

The carrier also plans to leverage the long-range capabilities of the Airbus A321XLR to establish new non-stop routes from Perth International Airport (PER). Wallace indicated that flights from Perth to India are a priority, stating, “Perth-India is another market that, over time, we’ll definitely serve.” This strategic move complements the expansion of the Perth Airport Central precinct, facilitating seamless connections for both domestic and international flights.

Currently, Qantas operates direct services between Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) and Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), as well as between Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) and Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Jetstar’s Role in Expanding Reach

In addition to enhancing its mainline operations, Qantas is looking to its low-cost subsidiary, Jetstar, to support competitive airfares to India. Jetstar, Australia’s second-largest airline, is currently retrofitting its Boeing 787 aircraft to elevate the passenger experience. This includes the introduction of dedicated crew rest areas, which will enable longer flights, potentially allowing the airline to serve direct routes to India and Sri Lanka from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.

Stephanie Tully, Jetstar Group Chief Executive Officer, noted that the upgrade of the 787 fleet will enhance operational capabilities, with the potential for flights reaching up to 16 hours. This dual-brand approach allows Qantas to cater to both premium and budget travelers, creating a collaborative strategy to capture a larger share of the Australia-India market.

At present, the primary competitors for flights between India and Australia are the Indian flag carrier Air India and SriLankan Airlines, which connects Colombo to both Sydney and Melbourne.

As Qantas strategically positions itself for growth in the Indian market, the airline’s focus on fleet modernization and expanded direct services reflects its commitment to meeting rising demand for travel between Australia and India.