Qantas boosting Singapore-Sydney A380 flights

Qantas announced it will nearly double A380 flying between Singapore and Sydney later this year, increasing premium seats on the route by up to 18 percent. The move will see Qantas operate the Superjumbo on 13 of its 14 weekly Singapore-Sydney services from 7 December, with the 14th service continuing with the airline’s Airbus A330. The additional premium seats will give customers more opportunities to travel in the aircraft’s First, Business and Premium Economy cabins and enjoy features like the unique onboard lounge. The A380 features 14 individual First Class suites that convert into a 212-centimetre fully flat bed, 70 Business Suite seats and 60 Premium Economy seats. Premium passengers also have access to the aircraft’s upper deck lounge, with booth-style seating for 10 people, a self-service bar and the option to order signature drinks and snacks. Qantas operates First and Business lounges in both Sydney and Singapore. The announcement comes as Qantas Frequent Flyers are able to boost their status or Qantas Points balance, with the much-anticipated ‘Twice as Rewarding’ offer returning this week. Asia is home to one of the largest populations of Qantas Frequent Flyers outside Australia, from Australian expats living in Singapore to locals who travel regularly for work and leisure. Members who book any Qantas marketed and operated regional, domestic or international flight can earn either Double Status Credits or Double Qantas Points. Members can also stack double points on Qantas Hotel and Holiday bookings made during the same period. The offer has become a go-to for frequent flyers looking to book travel for the year ahead. During the most recent offer, one member booked 115 flights, earning enough bonus Status Credits to jump from Bronze to Platinum One status. Frequent Flyers can register via the Qantas App and book as many flights as they like through the offer, for travel between 3 March 2026 and 12 February 2027 Nick McGlynn, Executive Vice President – Asia, Qantas, said: “We’re seeing demand for premium travel continue to grow and moving to an almost entirely A380 operation between Singapore and Sydney means we can offer significantly more First Class, Business and Premium Economy seats for our customers. Asia is also home to one of the largest populations of Qantas Frequent Flyers outside Australia, and with our ‘Twice as Rewarding’ offer back this week, it’s a great time for members to earn Double Status Credits or Double Qantas Points on their next Qantas flight.” Etihad’s A380 makes Thailand debut in October Etihad Airways will introduce its flagship A380 to Bangkok for the first time this October, bringing The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, to Thailand and significantly increasing capacity on one of its most popular leisure routes. The aircraft will operate on Etihad’s evening daily service between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Bangkok (BKK), further strengthening connectivity between Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe. With its upper deck featuring The Residence, First Apartments, lounge, and refined Business with fully-lie flat seats, as well as a welcoming and comfortable Economy cabin, the A380 is more than an aircraft – it’s a destination in itself. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We’ve seen huge excitement around where our next A380 would fly – and Bangkok has been one of the most requested destinations. It’s a city that blends energy, culture and world-class hospitality, making it the perfect match for our flagship aircraft. The A380 transforms the journey into part of the holiday itself. From The Residence – the world’s only three-room suite in the sky – and our private First Apartments, to the spacious Business lie-flat seats and thoughtfully enhanced Economy cabin, every guest experiences something special onboard. With the A380 flying to Bangkok, we’re offering greater choice and significant additional capacity on one of our most popular leisure routes. Guests can immerse themselves in Thailand’s beaches and vibrant city life, or choose to extend their trip with a stopover in Abu Dhabi – turning one holiday into two and discovering everything our home city has to offer.” The A380’s introduction comes ahead of the peak winter travel season, supporting sustained demand for travel between Thailand, the Middle East and Europe. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]