Qantas has launched nonstop routes from Perth to Johannesburg and Auckland, expanding Western Australia’s role as the carrier’s key international hub connecting three continents.
The inaugural Johannesburg flight (QF65) departed this afternoon, following the arrival of the first Auckland–Perth service earlier in the day. Together, the routes add more than 150,000 seats annually and support tourism and local jobs.
The expansion was enabled by federal funding to increase border and biosecurity capacity at Perth Airport.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said early demand has been “terrific,” with strong bookings for both routes. The Johannesburg service offers onward connections via partner Airlink, while the Auckland route opens a one-stop option from Perth to New York.
Officials from the Australian and New Zealand tourism bodies praised the move, citing economic benefits and improved connectivity.
Route Details
- Perth–Johannesburg (QF65): 3x weekly; ~11h15m; A330 aircraft
- Perth–Auckland (QF111): 3x weekly; ~6h45m; A330 aircraft