Yahoo Finance This Aussie city could soon have direct flights to San Francisco, Chicago
Qantas has announced two direct routes connecting Brisbane to Chicago and San Francisco, taking tourism in Queensland is about to new heights.
The direct flights will be operated by the same aircraft used to fly passengers between Perth and London, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Qantas is currently waiting on full approval to launch a joint venture with American Airlines Group, which would allow the two companies to coordinate planning, pricing, sales and frequent flyer programs.
The US transportation department, which granted a tentative approval to the venture earlier this month, said that the joint venture would create additional jobs at both companies and allow the airlines to plan up to three new routes within two years.
American Airlines said a final decision will be made within weeks. Once the approval has been reached, flights will take off early next year.
“This is fantastic news for Queensland. It demonstrates the confidence that we have in the local tourism industry and our commitment to the Sunshine State,” said Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.
“This will give Qantas and American Airlines customers unprecedented access. These flights will make it one stop from Chicago to Hamilton Island or San Francisco to Townsville.
“These new services will connect both Australian business travellers and holidaymakers with key centres of commerce, industry and culture in the United States.”
Flights to Chicago are estimated to take around 16 hours and 20 minutes, making it the fourth-longest passenger flight in the world.
The San Francisco flight will take 12 hours and 40 minutes.
Qantas currently operates direct flights connecting Sydney and Melbourne to San Francisco, and direct flights from Sydney to Los Angeles with connecting flights to New York.
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