Perth Gains New Services to Europe and Asia

It has been a hack of a year for Perth and Western Australia so far, with many new connections to Europe and Asia either commenced or starting soon. With the most recent being Jetstar Australia and Vietnam Airlines, new services are seemingly announced on a weekly rate. In this article, we will provide a summary of all new services this year and upcoming.

Perth is unique positioned in Australia. Away from the cluster of metropolis on the East Coast, it is not the most populous region but is situated closer to South East Asia, Europe and Africa. Historically, Perth has had significant services to Asia and Africa, while Europe came into the picture with Qantas establishing direct connection to London Heathrow using a Boeing B787-9.

Existing Intercontinental Services

A Qantas Boeing 787-9 departing LAX (Photo: AirlineGeeks | James Dinsdale).

Qantas is currently the sole operator of flights to Europe, flying to London Heathrow daily and Rome on a seasonal basis. To the Gulf region, where travelers connect to get to Europe and beyond, Emirates and Qatar Airways each operate a daily flight on their A380s.

In East Asia, Singapore Airlines has traditionally been the primary carrier in providing connection for Western Australians. Its significant offering with 25 weekly flights provide over 2,000 seats per day between the city pair, allowing travelers to connect onto its network from Singapore Changi to Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa. The airline is also building a new SilverKris lounge at the airport.

Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary Scoot operates another 12 weekly flights on their Dreamliners. Qantas’ sole Asian destination from Perth is also Singapore, with a daily frequency on Airbus A330. Singapore-Perth sees 44 weekly flights in December 2023. (Source: flightrader24)

One of Singapore’s first 787-10, which is used for Perth flights (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

Elsewhere in Asia, Cathay Pacific also flies five weekly flights to Hong Kong, a drop from pre-pandemic level. Its OneWorld partner Malaysia Airlines flies 12 weekly frequencies to Kuala Lumper. A number of airlines have introduced new services in 2023 and the details are in the next section.

To Africa, Air Mauritius runs a three weekly service, connecting passengers beyond its hub in Port Louis. Before the pandemic, both Qantas and South African Airways (SAA) flew the route and we could expect a return from either or both, as SAA reintroduced intercontinental services to its network earlier this year.

Recent Additions

The recent growth at Perth mainly comes from Asia, specifically South East Asia, where there is significant leisure and VFR (Visiting friends and relatives) demand coming out of COVID.

List of new services added or resumed in 2023:

*Batik KUL service continues onwards to Auckland on fifth freedom, bookable connection

Amongst them, it was the first time Philippine Airlines and Vietjet have landed in Perth, while ANA resumed its flights initially launched in 2019.

In addition, two familiar carriers, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, are ramping up their services. Singapore Airlines will add a fourth daily flight next year, increasing its weekly frequency from 25 to 28. Cathay upgraded Perth to 5 weekly and is currently using B777-300ER, its biggest aircraft, to serve the route.

This is expected to change as airlines recognize the demand from Perth and more carriers connect their hubs to Perth, giving more destination options to travelers. Singapore’s status could be challenged in the process as travelers opt for direct connections.

Upcoming Connections

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner on approach into London’s Heathrow Airport.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Vietnam Airlines will be another new addition to the skies of Perth, launching its first flight to Perth with its B787 Dreamliners. China Eastern will mark its return with a seasonal service during the Chinese New Year period from January 20th to February 18th. Qantas’ new French connection also responds to seasonal demand in time of the Olympics and the frequency will drop to three weekly after the Olympics.

List of upcoming flights:

Jetstar’s new base at Perth will house four A321LR aircraft and will be leisure focused. Overall, Perth will see its network significantly strengthened to Asia and is making a case for its potential to be a transit hub to Europe and Africa.

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Anthony Bang An

Anthony is an aviation enthusiast who grew up around the world from St. Louis to Singapore, and now lives in Amsterdam. He loves long-haul flying and finds peace in the sound of engine cruising. He aspires to share his passion for the sky though writing and providing another angle on the stories.

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