SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Qantas Flight 73 arrived into San Francisco from Sydney this morning, marking the Flying Kangaroo’s return to the route.
Qantas’ non-stop San Francisco-Sydney services will ramp up to six services per week in January 2016. All flights will be operated by a Boeing 747-400 aircraft with the same style interiors that feature on the airline’s flagship A380s, enabling customers to experience the best of Australia in each of its Economy, Premium Economy and flagship Business Class cabins.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce, said Qantas has a special relationship with San Francisco.
“We’re thrilled to be back in San Francisco, which was Qantas’ first ever US destination back in the 1950s and is still a hugely popular holiday spot for Australians. What’s different today is that we’re seeing really strong demand for business travel as well, driven by the Silicon Valley technology boom,” said Mr. Joyce.
“The cabin, food, service and in-flight entertainment we’re offering on this route has evolved significantly over the past four years, and we look forward to welcoming more Americans on board to experience Qantas,” added Mr. Joyce.
A special menu has been designed for the route with customers in Business and Premium Economy enjoying a Ricotta, pea and prosciutto calzone. The dish is inspired by Chef Alice Waters from the San Francisco restaurant, Chez Panisse, which shares Qantas’ food philosophy in striving for sustainable produce and focusing on dishes showcasing the season’s best ingredients. Business customers traveling to and from San Francisco will also be the first to experience Qantas’ new Kate Spade and Jack Spade amenity kits.
The new service has been made possible by an expanded commercial partnership between Qantas, Australia’s national carrier, and American, the world’s biggest airline, to form part of a broader trans-Pacific network spanning Australian, New Zealand and the United States.
Qantas in San Francisco:
- Qantas operated its first Trans-Pacific service in May 1954 flying a Super Constellation from Sydney to San Francisco (and onward to Vancouver) via Nadi, Canton Island and Honolulu.
- Qantas operated its first Trans-Pacific Jet Service in July 1959 flying a B707 from San Francisco to Sydney via Nadi and Honolulu.
- San Francisco is the top onward destination for Qantas corporate customers beyond the airline’s existing network.
Qantas gift to San Francisco Airport Aviation Museum and Library:
On July 29th, 1959, a Qantas Boeing 707 jet departed Sydney for San Francisco via Fiji and Hawaii to begin the first passenger jet services across the Pacific Ocean. Following the arrival of today’s QF73, Qantas gifted an original program from the ceremony of its inaugural 1959 Sydney-San Francisco service to the San Francisco Aviation Museum and Library.
Special Fares:
Qantas is offering special fares from San Francisco to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia for a range of travel dates in 2016:
- Economy: $999* round trip
- Premium Economy: $2,999* round trip
- Business: $4,999* round trip
Sale ends on Monday, December 21, 2015. Visit qantas.com/SFO for information.
* Fares are for round trip travel in US dollars and include all taxes and fees. Seats are very limited and are not available on every flight. Advance purchase of 14 days (Economy and Premium Economy). Minimum stay is 7 days (Economy). Maximum stay 12 months subject to system range limitation between 330 to 350 days from departure date. There is a cancellation fee of $500 per person per ticket (Economy and Premium Economy) and $600 per person per ticket (Business). There is a No Show fee of $500 per person per ticket (Economy and Premium Economy) and $800 per person per ticket (Business). However, customers who purchase a ticket in the United States for travel on Qantas may cancel their reservations and refund ticket without charge within 24 hours of ticketing when purchase is made one week or more prior to departure of the first flight in the itinerary. Date changes are permitted for a fee of $200 per person per change (Economy and Premium Economy) and $300 per person per change (Business). An additional service fee of US$40/AU$80 per person applies for each transaction made to tickets via telephone, retail outlet, or an airport ticket counter, depending on the country where the change is made.
Fares valid from 18-21 December, 2015 unless sold out and may be extended without notice. Other restrictions apply. Information is correct as of 17 December, 2015 and subject to change without notice.