Qantas Ends Perth-London Route as Air NZ Eyes India Flights, June 17

Qantas has suspended its famous nonstop service between Perth and London after operating the route since March 2018. The airline cited weight and capacity restrictions on its Boeing 787-9 fleet as the reason. Meanwhile, Air New Zealand is assessing the commercial viability of launching direct flights to India by end of 2028, following a new trade agreement between the nations.

Why Qantas Pulled the Plug

Qantas operated the Perth-London route on Boeing 787-9 aircraft with only 236 seats across three cabin classes: 42 business, 28 premium economy, and 166 economy. The 17-hour flight covers over 9,000 miles, pushing the aircraft to its limits. Boeing lists the 787-9’s range at 8,705 miles, forcing Qantas to restrict passenger capacity far below the aircraft’s standard 290-seat configuration.

Competitors seat significantly more passengers on the same aircraft. Qatar Airways fits 311 seats, Turkish Airlines 300, and American and United Airlines between 222 and 285 seats. The extreme weight restrictions required for the Perth-London route made the service commercially unviable for Qantas.

Air New Zealand Charts a Different Path

Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar confirmed at the recent IATA AGM that the airline is actively assessing direct flights to Indian cities. The carrier has signed a memorandum of understanding with Air India to explore a nonstop service by end of 2028. The proposed Auckland-to-Delhi route would span roughly 12,500 km and require 15 to 16 hours of flight time.

Demand for the route has surged following the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Air NZ currently routes passengers through Singapore Airlines and Air India hubs in Singapore, Sydney, and Melbourne. A direct service would depend on new aircraft deliveries and regulatory approvals.

What This Means for Investors

The Perth-London suspension shows the financial strain of ultra-long-haul routes on legacy aircraft. QAN.AX faces pressure from route economics that no longer work. Air New Zealand’s India exploration reflects a strategic bet on emerging trade corridors, but execution risk remains high. Qantas quietly killed the route without major announcement, signaling management’s focus on profitable capacity rather than prestige routes.

Both carriers face the same challenge: aircraft designed for standard long-haul flights struggle with ultra-long-haul economics. New aircraft deliveries will be critical to whether Air New Zealand can launch India service profitably.

Final Thoughts

Qantas ended Perth-London service due to aircraft capacity limits, while Air New Zealand targets India flights by 2028. Route profitability, not prestige, now drives airline strategy. Investors should watch aircraft delivery timelines and trade agreement implementation closely.

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