Qantas on a Tokyo Roll

Qantas is launching out of the cannon and into the skies with a massive expansion into Japan.

The airline is launching double daily services between Australia and Tokyo as of this weekend, and to celebrate Brisbane International airport kicks things off with Japanese-themed activity and a water cannon salute.

Qantas flight QF25 will depart from Sydney to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport tonight, followed by the departure of QF61 from Brisbane to Narita Airport tomorrow morning, where the party starts.

Traditional Japanese ceremonies marking Qantas’ new Tokyo – Australia services will take place at both Narita and Haneda Airports later that evening.

But that’s not all in store to mark the occasion, with guests onboard flights departing to Narita and Haneda and in Qantas International Lounges in Sydney and Brisbane being treated to Japanese-inspired menus for the first week of August, including Tuna Tataki Nigiri in Business, and Green Tea flavoured Kit Kats in Premium Economy and Economy.

Qantas International’s ceo Gareth Evans said the almost doubling of capacity to Tokyo marked a new era for the national carrier’s presence in Japan, especially with the travel market soaring to such impressive heights.

“This significant capacity expansion has been extremely well-received by Qantas customers and especially by corporate travellers heading directly to downtown Tokyo, who can now save up to one and a half hours on their airport commute by flying into or out of Haneda,” Evans said.

“Customers travelling on the new Brisbane-Narita route can explore Tokyo or beyond with popular holiday destinations across Jetstar Japan’s extensive domestic network, like Sapporo, Fukuoka and Osaka.”

“We’ll be working closely with our tourism partners to showcase all that Australia has to offer for the Japanese audience, and with a free trade agreement in place we’re anticipating healthy demand for travel in both directions.

Qantas’ Brisbane-Narita launch flights will be operated by the airline’s refurbished A330 aircraft, with lie-flat seats in Business, brand new Economy seats and new inflight entertainment.

“The new Haneda-Sydney service will help drive visitation to Sydney and Regional NSW and encourage Japanese visitors to experience Australia’s number one State,” Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase said, with the campaign part of a milestone $30 million three-year partnership with Qantas to promote Sydney and Regional NSW to the world.

“More than 140,900 visitors from Japan travelled to NSW as at year ended December 2014, and contributed approximately $307 million into the State’s economy.”

Qantas has today launched sale fares to Tokyo, with return Economy fares available to Narita from $799 and to Haneda from $899 until 10 August 2015, unless sold old out prior.

Selected travel dates and days apply. For terms and conditions and to book, visit http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/flights-japan/au/en.

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