Qantas will ramp up superjumbo flights to London and Los Angeles after delivery of its fourth Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
The Sydney to London flight will increase from three to five services per week, and Sydney to Los Angeles will increase from three to four weekly.
Sydney to London A380 services will increase from three to five per week, and Sydney to Los Angeles services from three to four per week.
The news comes as the airline cited a drop in passengers on its London and Los Angeles routes, leading a fall in profits.
Qantas reported last week a $117 million net profit for the financial year, down from $969 million the year before, and also plans to cut costs by $1.5 billion over three years.
Cost cutting strategies proposed by the airline include reconfiguring the aircraft, technologies and fuel saving methods.
Qantas chief Alan Joyce said the Los Angeles and London routes were “the biggest issue” and were suffering significant losses as a result of a high level of competition, a high level of discounting and a drop in business traffic.
He said the two routes were very much dependent upon “premium” traffic, which was down 20 to 30 percent as a result of the global financial crisis.
“So as the economy turns, as the business market comes back, those routes will improve,” Mr Joyce said.
The airline is due to receive a further two A380s by the end of 2009, with a further three due to be delivered next year.
Thanks to the Age for the above quotes and figures. For more information on this article visit their website.
