QF getting more competition on BNE-LAX route.
Visiting the United States could be about to get cheaper after another major airline announced three direct flights a week between Brisbane and Los Angeles.
International travel costs soared in the aftermath of the pandemic, with data from travel specialists Webjet showing the average price of Brisbane-LA flights increased $700 between 2019 and 2022.
However, there has since been a rush of American carriers taking off for Queensland, with Delta the latest to join the party, meaning there are now more flights from Brisbane to the US than before the pandemic.
On Saturday Delta is set to announce the launch of direct flights from Brisbane to LA, starting with three times a week from December 4.
The airline is expected to bump the services up to daily by next year, in a move expected to spark intense competition in the skies for the dollars of travellers flying across the Pacific.
Delta joins Qantas, United and American Airlines as carriers offering direct links to mainland USA out of Brisbane, while Air Canada also delivers travellers direct to North America.
It means the three largest airlines in the world, (Delta, United and American), are all running direct flights from Brisbane to the US.
Industry insiders are hopeful the increased competition will see a drop in airfare prices – and by extension an increase in visitors to Queensland.
The Delta deal, secured through the State government’s $200 million attracting aviation investment fund, is expected to bring up to 114,000 visitors to Queensland who will spend up to $208 million.
Deputy Premier and Trade Minister Cameron Dick said the deal was a win for both sides of the Pacific.
“We know Americans love to escape the freezing North American winter and enjoy Queensland’s beautiful weather, beaches, hinterland, and culture,” he said.
“The increased services should also put downward pressure on airline prices while providing more opportunities for Queensland’s exporters to tap into the world’s largest economy.”
Delta is one of the world’s biggest airlines.
The A350-900 aircraft are able to carry up to 20 tonnes of the Sunshine State’s best products directly to the US.
Tourism Minister Michael Healy said the deal would further enhance the recovery of the US market for the state’s travel industry.
“The US was Queensland’s third largest visitor market in 2019, so we know there is a real appetite from Americans to travel to Queensland and enjoy our great lifestyle and iconic visitor experiences,” he said.
Delta Air Lines Senior Vice President of Network Planning Joe Esposito said Queensland was an exciting opportunity for the airline.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaf said the city was “charting unprecedented territory” and “witnessing an unparalleled level of interest” from North American markets.
“I’m not sure if it is the upcoming Olympics or the insatiable appetite for Bluey, but right now Brisbane is the ‘must add’ destination for North American carriers, and this opens a world of opportunity,” he said.