Qantas to launch flights to San Francisco

Qantas is to add San Francisco to its international network from 29 March 2006, building the total number of return services to mainland USA to a record 39 flights a week.

Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti said, "The new services link the Sister Cities of San Francisco and Sydney. San Francisco is a great holiday destination and we are delighted to be flying there. The Qantas services will also provide direct business links to the San Francisco region."

Qantas will initially offer three non-stop weekly services on the Sydney-San Francisco route, operating three-class Boeing 747-400 aircraft, with launch fares starting at A$1299 return including taxes and charges.

Mr Borghetti added that Qantas would also introduce its own services to Vancouver, Canada, via San Francisco during the peak travel seasons from June 2006.

"We initially expect to introduce the Vancouver extensions during the peak travel periods, including the North American ski season. This is the first step to establishing year round services to Canada," he said.

"These two new destinations will provide passengers with unparalleled access to North America, with Qantas offering services to 23 destinations in North America, including our own flights to Los Angeles, New York, Honolulu, San Francisco and Vancouver as well as a range of codeshare services with partner airlines."

Qantas flights to San Francisco will depart from Sydney at 1.25 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. They will arrive in San Francisco at 9.45 am on the same day, and then depart San Francisco that night at 11.00 pm, arriving back in Sydney at 6.35 am two days later.

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