OREANDA-NEWS. Qantas will introduce the A380 on its popular Sydney-Dallas/Fort Worth route from 29 September, with direct services in both directions cutting journey times on the return sector to Sydney by up to two hours.

“This is a win for travellers and a win for New South Wales tourism in time for the peak holiday period.” Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“Inbound visitors from the United States remain one of Australia’s top markets growing 4.5 per cent over the past 12 months and almost 300,000 visitors. Sydney Airport worked closely with our tourism partner Destination NSW to secure this service and this capacity increase to and from one of North America’s largest hubs will see the route continue to grow.

“Meanwhile, the United States continues to be the most popular destination for Australian travellers from Sydney, growing 5.3 per cent over the past 12 months.

“Since launching in 2011, the Dallas/Fort Worth route has been a huge success, connecting Australian travellers to 30 destinations beyond the west coast of the United States operated by Qantas’ oneworld partner American Airlines. Sydney Airport has a strong partnership with Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, recognised widely as one of North America’s best airports.

Currently, the Dallas/Fort Worth – Sydney sector stops in Brisbane, however Qantas will now be able to fly direct to Sydney when the A380 replaces 747s from September.

“This new direct A380 service means that travellers will be able to cut two hours off the existing 747 flight from Dallas,” Ms Mather said.

“New generation aircraft like the A380 have been extremely popular with our customers making Sydney one of the world’s largest A380 hubs and we’re delighted that Qantas will now be using this aircraft on its Dallas/Fort Worth route.