Both Emirates and American Airlines have launched historic new services to Australia just days apart in a sign that the world’s largest island is a clear favorite among passengers around the globe.
On October 26, 2024, American Airlines flight AA7 departed Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for Brisbane Airport (BRE), in what is now the longest flight on the carrier’s schedule.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight lasted 15 hours and 44 minutes and became the first time that Dallas and Brisbane have been connected by a non-stop service.
The first return flight from Brisbane to Dallas took off on October 29, 2024, and is due to land in the US at 07:35 local time.
The 1st @AmericanAir flight from @BrisbaneAirport to @DFWAirport is in the air. Captain Ken Coppock is in command. @flightradar24 https://t.co/9vb4sZKZQh pic.twitter.com/s7iBdxvsRn
— Peter Doherty (@PeterDoherty7) October 28, 2024
On October 28, 2024, Emirates also commenced a new daily service from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Adelaide Airport (ADL) in South Australia.
Emirates previously flew between Dubai and Adelaide, so the new 12-hour route is essentially a relaunch but notable because the Dubai flag carrier has said that the new service marks the “completion” of its Australian network.
Emirates will now operate 70 weekly services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide
The new Adelaide Boeing 777-200LR service offers 302 seats across two cabins, with 38 Business Class seats set in a 2-2-2 configuration, alongside 264 seats in Economy Class and will allow more than 220,400 passengers to travel between Dubai and Adelaide each year.
“Australia remains a priority market for Emirates and one that we have been deeply committed to for nearly three decades. The return of our Adelaide service reinforces our commitment to expanding our Australia network, which now offers 70 weekly services across five Australian cities,” said Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management, Nabil Sultan.
He added: “We extend our gratitude to the South Australian Tourism Commission and Adelaide Airport in assisting our return to the city. The Emirates flights not only facilitate trade flows but allow us to provide South Australians with access to a world-class travel experience and seamless connectivity through our Dubai hub to more than 140 destinations around the world.”
Emirates’ flight EK440 departs Dubai at 02:00, arriving in Adelaide at 20:50. Emirates’ return flight EK441 takes off from Adelaide at 22:40, arriving in Dubai at 05:20. All times are local.
From December 1, 2024, Emirates will reinstate its second daily service to Perth, offering 77 weekly flights from Australia.