Qantas customers will now enjoy the luxury of the world’s largest passenger aircraft on the world’s longest route, with non-stop A380 services between Sydney and Dallas/Fort Worth launched yesterday.

Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce said Qantas has a proud history of endurance, setting records and connecting Australians to the world.

“Qantas is leading the way again with the introduction of the world’s largest passenger aircraft on the world’s longest route, Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth, with a flying time of almost 16 hours,” Mr Joyce said.

“We know our customers will value the comfort of the A380 on this route, particularly for our award winning seat in every cabin, the sense of space and quiet, our entertainment options and the inflight hospitality.”

Mr Joyce said the A380 was well-suited for this long haul route, previously flown by the B747. With the change in aircraft, Qantas has introduced a new schedule to offer more seats and greater options for customers flying to and from the US.

“Not only will the A380 increase seats on the route by more than 10 per cent each week, it will also provide us with greater fuel efficiency and the range to operate the return service direct back to Sydney,” Mr Joyce said.

“Our customers also now have the choice of four cabins to both Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth as we introduce our Marc Newson designed First Class Suites on the Dallas/Fort Worth route for the first time.”

Qantas recently announced increased services to the US, and will now offer customers 41 services per week to North America.

About half of these services are operated by A380 aircraft and the other half by B747s with A380-style interiors.

Mr Joyce said introducing A380 services between Sydney and Dallas/Fort Worth, which is the only direct flight from Australia to inland United States, would also provide greater convenience for customers.

“The Dallas/Fort Worth service offers direct access right into the heart of the US with over 50 connections to all US major cities all within four hours, including Orlando, Boston and Houston.”

The new A380 service will also create further opportunities for both tourism and trade between Australia and the US.

“Dallas/Fort Worth is home to our partner American Airlines, and it’s the perfect hub for both business and leisure travellers heading in either direction across the Pacific,” added Mr Joyce.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said: “The new non-stop services, supported by Destination NSW, will deliver an extra 13,700 visitors to Sydney every year, providing a boost to the State’s economy and making it easier for Americans to experience our pristine beaches, vibrant and diverse events, Aussie hospitality and our State’s outstanding food and wine.

The new A380 service is the result of several scheduling changes designed to unlock more flying time of the Qantas fleet, as part of the wider Qantas Transformation programme.

Qantas will operate the new A380 service six times per week (every day except Tuesdays). QF7 will depart Sydney at 1310 and arrive at DFW International Airport at 1345 local time (the same day).

Flying time from Sydney to DFW is around 14 hours 50 minutes, and flying time from DFW to Sydney is around 15 hours 30 minutes.

SPECIAL LIVERY:

To celebrate the milestone, Qantas painted its A380 aircraft operating the route with a special livery; the kangaroo on the tail features a traditional Stetson hat with a neckerchief in the American-stars print, with a “G’Day Texas” emblem next to the forward doors.