A new route and expanded services to the United States will bring more visitors to Victoria, boost trade with the world’s largest economy and create more than 800 local jobs – thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery and Minister for Trade Martin Pakula today announced Qantas will fly a new direct passenger route between Dallas Fort Worth and Melbourne and increase its Los Angeles to Melbourne services.
Flights to Dallas Fort Worth will start in December, with four services a week on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This is the first time a flight has connected the U.S. state of Texas with Victoria.
In a further boost, starting today, Qantas will increase its flagship Los Angeles to Melbourne service from four to eight flights per week.
With a total of 12 flights to the US every week, Qantas expects to bring around 105,000 U.S. visitors a year to Melbourne, creating more than 800 tourism and aviation jobs in Victoria.
The U.S. is Victoria’s second largest trade partner, with two-way goods trade valued at $12.2 billion in 2020-21, and a key source of investment into Victoria.
The U.S. economy provides Victorian businesses with significant export opportunities in digital and medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, defence and aerospace, and tourism.
The new Dallas Fort Worth to Melbourne service announced today follows Qantas’ Delhi to Melbourne route, which started in December 2021.
Qantas joins Emirates, Etihad Airways and Bamboo Airways in providing more direct international flights to Victoria.
As stated by Minister for Industry Support and Recovery and Minister for Trade Martin Pakula
“More international flights are key to our economic growth – today’s announcement will help boost visitor numbers from the U.S. and create more jobs in our tourism and aviation sectors.”
“The new flights will also provide more opportunities for Victorians to do business with companies based in one of the U.S.’ fastest growing state economies.”
As stated by Qantas Group Chief Executive of Customer Services Stephanie Tully
“These new flights provide excellent connections for Australians visiting the United States and allow Melbourne to tap into an enormous inbound tourism market from cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, Houston, Washington DC, and Miami, as well as saving hours of travel time.”
As stated by Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Lorie Argus
“This new direct route will make it easier for visitors from all around the U.S. to travel to Melbourne and we look forward to welcoming them soon.”
