Qantas’ business case for Project Sunrise flights reveals 99% of Australasians will have direct or one-stop access to London and New York when the airline launches flights next year.
Through its Western hub (PER) there are non-stop connections to London, Paris, Rome and Johannesburg already. From its eastern hub (SYD) there will be access to LHR non-stop from next Oct and a non-stop to JFK will follow that.
While Kiwis can already fly non-stop to JFK on QF ex Auckland daily, the LHR Project Sunrise flights could tap into a large pool in this country.
It will target those who will opt for a one-stop to the British capital via SYD instead of flying through the Middle East, Asia or North America.
QF’s figures show that Kiwi travellers made 3600 weekly departures for London airports ex AKL last year.
. . . Case Continues
The investment case presentation, from QF head of international and freight Cam Wallace (pictured with the new aircraft in Toulouse) shows that in spite of higher costs in the past four years, there’s been no change to earnings expectations. The airline’s optimism is driven by the accelerating move to more premium seats, the success of ultralong haul routes including PER-CDG and AKL-JFK and QF’s continued transformation. While it has been hit by higher fuel costs and a weaker AUD, higher labour costs and above-inflation airport and government charges, QF expects an AUD400 million increase in passenger and freight earnings a year from Project Sunrise.
. . . Direct Desire
Project Sunrise flights to LHR will save up to four hours in flight time on new modified A350 aircraft that are capable of flying for up to 22 hours with more than 40% premium seating.
QF’s research shows the likelihood to book a non-stop ultra long-haul flight has spiked since this year’s Middle East conflict. Premium customers were 68% likely pre-conflict but this is now 80% while economy has increased from 53% to 63%.
QF believes it will be able to charge a fee of around 20% from its premium class passengers on the non-stop flights compared to onestop ones.
