The new route is set to slash travel times for thousands of South African passengers who call Perth home, while strengthening ties between Australia and SA.
Earlier this year, The South African reported that Qantas had announced a first-ever direct flight between Western Australia’s capital and Johannesburg.
This route has officially launched, and bookings are open.
Persons travelling between Australia and South Africa now have a faster, more convenient option.
The new service, operated by an Airbus A330, connects the two cities in just 11 hours – less than half the travel time of popular connecting routes (with lengthy layovers).
Massive Saffa community in Perth
The inaugural flight took off on Sunday, marking a major milestone for Qantas and a long-awaited improvement for Western Australia’s sizeable South African community.
According to the latest census, nearly 40 000 South Africans live in Perth, earning the Aussie city its nickname ‘Perthfontein.’
For many Saffas however, the new route is more than a travel upgrade – it is a lifeline to loved ones.
Former South African resident Joe Oosthuizen, who moved to Perth 17 years ago, said past trips home used to take far too long.
Boarding the first direct flight with his two children, he said the new route makes visiting family far more practical.
“Instead of flying 24 hours, you only fly 11,” he told The West Australian. “The kids went back last year, but I haven’t been back for 14 years.”
Qantas will operate the Perth-Johannesburg service three times a week, alongside a new non-stop route from Perth to Auckland.
Combined, these flights are expected to bring an extra 80 000 passengers into Western Australia every year.
A route previously monopolised by SAA
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the strong demand for the first flight reflects how meaningful the connection is for travellers.
Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell noted that direct routes like this are crucial for keeping families connected and boosting economic links between Australia and South Africa.
The new flights will operate alongside existing Air New Zealand and South African Airways services linking Perth with Auckland and Johannesburg.
