Qantas has introduced the Airbus A380 on its non-stop route from Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth, making it the world's longest flight operated by the world's largest passenger aircraft. The nearly 16-hour journey covers 13,804 kilometres and will run six times per week, replacing the Boeing 747 previously used on the route.
The switch to the A380 brings first-class cabins to the route for the first time, featuring Marc Newson-designed suites. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the move reflects customer demand for comfort on long-haul flights and confidence in the airline's future. The A380 increases seat capacity by more than 10 per cent weekly while offering greater fuel efficiency.
The Sydney-Dallas route is particularly popular with corporate travellers in the resources, technology, and agricultural sectors. Joyce noted that Dallas/Fort Worth provides access to over 50 US destinations within four hours, including Orlando, Boston, and Houston. The airline now operates 41 weekly flights to the US.
The non-stop service QF7 departs Sydney at 13:10 and arrives in Dallas at 13:45 local time the same day after 14 hours 50 minutes. The return flight QF8 leaves Dallas at 22:15, arriving in Sydney at 06:05 two days later after 15 hours 30 minutes. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is building three new jet bridges to accommodate the A380.
