Qantas adds Mel to Japan direct

Qantas adds Mel to Japan direct
By Kate Webster


In response to a growing demand for Japan, Qantas will launch a daily direct flight between Melbourne and Tokyo (Narita Airport) starting 16 December 2016.

Subject to government approval, the route will add 297 seats with the operation of the two-class A330-300. This capacity from Australia adds to the already popular Sydney-Tokyo (Haneda) and Brisbane -Tokyo (Narita) services, launched in 2015, and will connect travellers with the broader Qantas Group network – including Jetstar’s extensive domestic network within Japan and the Group’s services across the Tasman.

The response comes to the growth of 17 percent in visitors to Australia from Japan in 2015/16 financial year, with those travellers spending $1.5 billion (up 14 percent on previous year).

The number of Australians travelling to Japan also is growing, with a 24 percent increase experienced in 2015.

During the December 2016 – February 2017 holiday peak, both Qantas and Jetstar will operate flights from Melbourne to Tokyo (Narita), however Jetstar will then cease flights on the direct route after the 25th February, 2017.

Qantas International and Freight chief executive officer, Gareth Evans, said the new service built on Qantas’ long history of flying to Japan and significant expansion in the market over the past year.

Delighted to be stepping up the commitment to the Japanese market at a boom time for tourism and business travel, Evans added “the Qantas Group is perfectly placed to support the resurgent growth we’re seeing, with the biggest Australia-Japan network, the biggest domestic network in Australia, and the biggest low-cost carrier network in Japan through Jetstar.”

Qantas lifted capacity on Asian routes by 17 percent last financial year.

Fares on the new Qantas Melbourne – Tokyo (Narita) service will be available for sale today for travel from 16 December 2016. For passengers on the current Brisbane and Sydney routes who wish to change to the direct Melbourne are advised to contact Qantas Customer Care.

Jetstar customers who are booked on Melbourne-Tokyo (Narita) flights from 26 February, 2016 onwards will be reaccommodated on Qantas’ Melbourne-Tokyo (Narita) flights.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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