Qantas Launches Inaugural A380 Flight to Johannesburg

Qantas operated its inaugural Airbus A380 flight to Johannesburg on September 30, 2024, marking the first time the national carrier has operated the Superjumbo to Africa.

The A380 will operate between Sydney and Johannesburg up to six times per week, nearly doubling capacity with an additional 130,000 seats annually between Australia and Africa.

Qantas A380 with Four-Cabin Configuration 

The Qantas A380, with a capacity for 485 passengers across four cabins, reintroduces First Class on this route for the first time since 2018.

Qantas First features 14 individual suites in a 1-1-1 configuration, converting into 212-centimetre beds.

The upgauge also more than doubles the number of Premium Economy seats available between the cities. 

The aircraft boasts an upper deck lounge for First and Business passengers, featuring booth-style seating for 10 people, a self-service bar, and the option to order signature drinks and snacks.

Qantas noted that this is the world’s only A380 flight that crosses the southern Indian Ocean, offering views of Antarctica on clear days.

Future Perth-Johannesburg Connectivity

Qantas also plans to relaunch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg from mid-2025, pending border agency requirements.

With the increased capacity, Qantas will operate over 280,000 seats per year between Australia and South Africa.

Flight times are 14 hours and 40 minutes from Sydney to Johannesburg, and 11 hours and 55 minutes from Johannesburg to Sydney.

Qantas has eight active A380s out of a total fleet of 10, with the remaining two returning to service over the next 18 months.