Qantas is planning to add 50% more capacity out of the UK by the end of the year following the delivery of newaircraft.
Deputy chief executive Geoff Dixon said the carrier will acquire three new Boeing 747-400s between November and February 2000 to use at least one on expanding its UKnetwork. Dixon said: “We have not added capacity to the UK for a few years and feel the time is right for growth. We will possibly go to thrice daily.”
Qantas currently serves Australia with double-daily Heathrow flights. One connects through Singapore and the other via Bangkok. Both are codeshared with its 25% stakeholder and Oneworld partner British Airways. A third daily Qantas service would also be in partnership with BA.
The expansion is dependent on the airline receiving an increased number of slots at congested Heathrow.