Qantas (QF) has announced it will start services between Sydney (SYD) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) from 16 May. They will operate 4 services a week in a 3 class boeing 747-400. As a result they will cancel their Sydney to San Francisco services from 14 May. Now Dallas may seem an unusual choice for the Australian carrier, but being the 8th busiest airport, in terms of passenger movements and 3rd in operations, in the world and hub for American Airlines (AA), Qantas’ partner in the US, It will provide more seamless connections to regional American cities as well as Mexico and Central America.

I think the new services are exciting for Australian aviation, however 2 things stand out for me, by dropping San Francisco in favour of Dallas/Fort Worth, those wishing to travel to the west coast cities such as San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver in Canada will again have no choice but to travel through the monstrosity that is Los Angeles or back track from Dallas. One other thing that possibly only a freakyflier could love, is the distance and flying time invloved, will make this an extremely long non-stop flight. Flying time from Sydney to Dallas is slated as 15.25 hrs, where as the return flight is so long, the flight will operate via Brisbane. Dallas to Brisbane – 16 hrs flying time, 1.30 mins on the ground and another leg of 1.35 from Brisbane to Sydney.. now thats a long hop!