Qantas made its inaugural Airbus A380 flight to Johannesburg this week. This is the first time Qantas has operated the Superjumbo to Africa and the first time an A380 has flown across the Southern Indian Ocean by any airline. This will nearly double the capacity between Australia and Africa every year, operating six times per week with an extra 130,000 seats.

The Qantas A380 has a capacity for 485 passengers across all four cabins, bringing First Class back to the route for the first time since 2018. Onboard, Qantas First features 14 individual suites in a 1-1-1 configuration, with a seat that converts into a 212cm flat bed. First and Business Class passengers can stretch their legs and visit the self-service bar on the upper level of the aircraft with an option to order signature drinks and snacks. The upgrade to the A380 will also more than double the number of Premium Economy seats available between Australia and Johannesburg.

Access More African Destinations

This significant increase in capacity comes as Qantas announces a new codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based carrier Airlink, substantially expanding its network into South Africa. The Qantas QF code will be added to Airlink’s domestic network, allowing seamless connectivity between Qantas flights to Johannesburg and onto Cape Town, Durban, and Hoedspruit. Both airlines are hoping to add additional Airlink destinations to nearby southern African countries over the coming months, pending approval.

Qantas has been flying to South Africa since 1952. The journey took 66 hours and became known as the Wallaby Route. Today, the flight is just over 14 hours nonstop. The airline is hoping to relaunch the Perth to Johannesburg flights from mid-2025, this is subject to meeting border agency requirements. Thanks to this codeshare, Qantas Frequent Flyers will earn both Points and Status Credits on the flights, on a Business Class return flight to Johannesburg, Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn 330+ status credits. Chat to one of our airfare specialists to book today.