Competition set to heat up on trans-Tasman route as Qantas eyes Auckland-Perth

Tuesday, 8 October 2024

Qantas is believed to be launching direct Perth to Auckland flights in mid 2025.

Tourism Western Australia has all but confirmed Qantas will begin direct Auckland to Perth flights in mid-2025.

Qantas is yet to confirm the new route publicly, but the airline group’s CEO Vanessa Hudson had earlier indicated to media she would love to see the route reinstated.

Currently Air New Zealand is the only airline flying between the two centres. Malaysian operator Batik Air’s service used to fly direct, but the service was suspended in June due to “operational requirements”.

Tourism to Western Australia from New Zealand is increasing, and Kiwi travellers are now the third-largest inbound market to the Aussie state. In a statement to Stuff Travel on the increase in tourism to the west, Tourism Western Australia Acting Managing Director Stephanie Underwood said Qantas plans to introduce direct flights between Auckland and Perth in 2025.

“Air New Zealand operates daily flights between Auckland and Perth, and Qantas offers flights via east coast gateway cities. Qantas recently announced they are exploring non-stop services between Auckland and Perth to launch in 2025, which would make travel even easier.”

Perth Airport is investing upgrades to Terminals 3 and 4, which are the current home of Qantas domestic and international flights.

Qantas wouldn’t be drawn further on details of the service, but said the number of Qantas passengers travelling between New Zealand and Perth between August and September 2024 was up 6% compared to 2023. The airline was also expecting further year on year growth across December and January.

In May, Qantas and Perth Airport reached an historic commercial agreement for a multi-billion dollar wave of investment to deliver new international and domestic flights.

Perth Airport will invest in upgrades to Terminals 3 and 4, the current home of Qantas domestic and international flights, which will enable the Australian carrier to add services and more destinations from Perth, “including Auckland and Johannesburg from mid-2025, subject to meeting border agency requirements.”

It wouldn’t be the first time Qantas has muscled in on a route held by Air New Zealand. The airline will increase its direct Auckland to New York flights to six times a week from October 10, double the number of weekly flights by Air New Zealand on its flagship route.

The Qantas A330 ripped up the concrete of Perth Airport's main Runway on Takeoff.

Speaking to Executive Traveller in August, Hudson said that she would “love to see Perth-Auckland because it will connect to our New York flights”.

Earlier this year, Qantas launched the direct Perth to Paris route in time for the Paris Olympics. It already flies from Perth to London and Rome, so if the Auckland route goes ahead, it will open up an entirely new way for Kiwis to travel to Europe.

All eyes will be on Perth this week as the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit gets underway in WA. Former US Secretary of State John Kerry and conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin are among the global names set to take to the stage.

The theme is 'Ancient Land: New Perspectives,' and is set to spotlight Australia's cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said they were delighted to have such influential speakers confirmed for the summit.

“This is our first ever major event in the Oceania region, and it will bring together many of the world’s most powerful leaders in our sector to discuss and secure its long-term future, which is critical to economies and jobs around the world.”

Official government delegations from around the world and representing more than 25 countries will be in attendance, with delegations from several G20 economies, including Argentina, Australia, China, Mexico, South Africa, and the U.S.

Meanwhile, Underwood said Kiwi travellers to WA are often seasoned travellers, having explored much of the world and Australia’s east coast, and now seek a different Aussie adventure.

“Research shows when deciding upon a holiday destination, travellers from NZ are looking for a safe and secure destination, value for money, and an appealing climate, all of which WA can offer visitors. Kiwis top three leisure activities are dining at a restaurant or café, going shopping and going to the beach”, she said.

“The Kimberley is proving to be very popular this year with a large number of Kiwis heading off on expedition cruises between Broome and Darwin, as well as self-drive holidays, with the region’s vast, red landscapes offering a stark contrast to NZ, making it a must-see for adventurous travellers.

“The Gibb River in particular is a true outback adventure through the heart of the Kimberley that includes spectacular gorges, secluded swimming holes, ancient Aboriginal rock art and massive outback stations. One of the highlights is the impressive Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park which looks like giant beehive shaped structures jutting up from the red dirt below.”