Korean Air has confirmed a major deal with Airbus for a new generation of long-haul planes.
05.03.2024 - 14:45 / skift.com / Qantas Airways / Gordon Smith
From Afghanistan to Zambia, Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other carrier. But one nation has proved to be rather elusive, at least until now.
Over the weekend, one of the company’s distinctive red-tailed jets touched down in Australia for the first time.
It’s tempting to write off the arrival of Turkish Airlines in Melbourne as just another new long-haul route. In reality, Flight TK168 marked the beginning of a mini aviation revolution in Australia – one that is likely to have the incumbents worried.
In isolation, Turkish Airlines’ thrice-weekly service via Singapore is unwelcome competition for Aussie flag carrier Qantas, but not a game-changer. However, things are about to heat up in the land Down Under.
Last December, the Australian Government approved more flights to and from Türkiye. The new permissions take the maximum number of weekly services from seven to 21 – and that’s not all.
From October, this figure rises to 28 a week and ultimately to 35 by the end of 2025. Sydney is due to join the route map before the end of the year, further encroaching on Qantas’ home turf.
For its part, Qantas has previously said it would not oppose Turkish Airlines’ entry into the Australian market.
Despite Melbourne having one of the region’s largest Turkish diasporas, the new flights aren’t really about flying people between Australia and Türkiye. The business case relies heavily on channeling long-haul transit travelers through the airline’s Istanbul mega-hub. From there, passengers can connect to one of more than 340 global destinations.
It isn’t just Qantas that’s facing extra competitive pressure. Data from analytics company Cirium Diio shows Qatar Airways currently operates 42 flights a week between Doha and Australia. The airline requested permission for up to 28 additional weekly services, however this was declined by Australian officials last year. The move was hugely controversial and sparked claims of protectionist behavior.
Elsewhere, Emirates flies 52 times a week to Australia. Notably, these services are operated in partnership with Qantas. UAE national airline Etihad Airways also flies once daily from Abu Dhabi to both Sydney and Melbourne. Chinese operators also offer competitive fares via the likes of Shanghai and Guangzhou.
The rise of the Middle Eastern ‘Big Three’ carriers has seen traditional legacy routes weaken in recent years. British Airways is currently the only European airline to fly scheduled passenger services to Australia, and even that is only to Sydney via Singapore.
With no threat on transpacific routes from Middle Eastern airlines, the competitive dynamics for travel between Australia and the U.S. are very different. Just last month, American Airlines
Korean Air has confirmed a major deal with Airbus for a new generation of long-haul planes.
Staying connected when flying with American Airlines is about to get a little bit easier.
While scrambling to find a last-minute flight home from Morocco, I booked a Turkish Airlines flight for me and two of my children.
If you are planning a trip to Japan this summer, you’re not alone. New research has revealed the most popular destinations for the coming peak travel season – and there are a few surprises.
The first commercial flight of India’s newest airline, Fly91, took off on Monday. The Goa-based airline’s maiden flight was on the Goa-Bengaluru route. Its next flight is scheduled for Tuesday between Goa and Hyderabad.
Delta Air Lines is returning to Israel – but not quite as quickly as expected.
Qantas and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation have announced a new fund that will help accelerate the restoration of Australia’s reef systems, including investment in Coral IVF programs, corals with increased heat tolerance and world-first portable coral nurseries.
I'm a frequent traveler who takes over 50 flights a year.
United Airlines is in international expansion mode once again.
JetBlue's Mint business class is already one of the best products in the sky, and it's getting even better with a full revamp of the soft product.
Once known as ‘The World’s Favorite Airline’, British Airways has slipped down the rankings in recent years. Underinvestment and outsourcing have left the UK flag carrier on the back foot.
JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines announced the companies have agreed to terminate their July 2022 merger agreement.