Qantas has added a new 11-hour flight to a destination that they haven’t flown to directly in 15 years.
The new route will fly directly from Sydney to the South Korean city of Seoul, with the first flight taking off over the weekend.
Jetstar, which is owned by Qantas, is currently the only other Australian airline that flies direct from Sydney to Seoul.
Speaking of the new route, Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said: “Australia has also grown in popularity as a destination for South Korean travellers, so we’re pleased to be welcoming more visitors just in time for them to experience summer in Sydney and beyond.”
He added, “The combination of Qantas and Jetstar means we can provide business, premium leisure and low-cost travel options to a destination that caters to different budgets, with good connections for those travelling to and from other parts of Australia,” Mr David said.
NSW Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said that the addition of the direct Qantas flight will help boost tourism in Australia.
“We’re thrilled that the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction fund has created this opportunity to bring more people from Seoul to Sydney, providing a boost for our tourism operators,” Franklin said.
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Qantas recently won Choice’s Shonky award – which recognises the worst of the worst products and services taking advantage of Australians.
Choice awarded the airline the undesirable award and dubbed them “the spirit of disappointment” over their high prices, frequent cancellations, travel credits and long wait times.
“If there was ever a company that appeared to deliberately be going out of its way to win a Shonky award, it’s Qantas,” CHOICE travel expert Jodi Bird said.
“People are still paying premium prices to fly Qantas but it’s clear from the complaints we’ve heard, they’re not getting a premium service.”
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