Qantas’ first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be deployed on the Australian carrier’s Melbourne–Los Angeles route when the new expanded service launches on December 15, 2017. The six-times-weekly Dreamliner route will supplement the airline’s existing Airbus A380 service between the destinations and will replace the two-times-weekly B747 service that currently operates alongside the A380.
“The Dreamliner is a game-changing aircraft that opens up a new era for Qantas, and it’s been designed with passenger comfort in mind,” said the airline’s CEO, Gareth Evans. “The aircraft itself offers larger windows, a smoother ride and better air quality to reduce jetlag.”
The configuration of Qantas’ new Dreamliner will comprise three classes with a total of 236 seats.
“In economy there’s more room and plenty of storage,” added Evans. “In business, our suites will offer a fully flat bed and direct aisle access. We’ll be unveiling our premium economy in the first quarter of next year and it will set new standards for the industry.”
While the 364-seat B747 is a larger aircraft, the increase in frequency will provide the route with approximately 1,400 additional seats per week when the Dreamliner service comes online. Qantas will operate a total of 13 flights per week between Melbourne and Los Angeles, with morning and afternoon flight options available most days.
The enhanced service comes a day after Qantas confirmed it will launch a new direct Perth–London service starting March 2018. The 17-hour flight will also be served by a Dreamliner.
Fares for the new Melbourne–Los Angeles Dreamliner service will be on sale starting December 25, 2016.
