Qantas to increase USA services

Qantas announced today it would increase services to the USA from 30 June.

Qantas Executive General Manager Sales and Marketing John Borghetti said the decision to increase services to the USA reflected some improvement in demand for international air travel, following the effects of the war in Iraq and SARS.

"Qantas will increase its services to the USA from the current 25 per week to 28 per week from 30 June. We will further increase USA services to 30 per week from early August."

Mr Borghetti said the airline was also working with the Australian Tourist Commission and tourism partners in overseas markets to further stimulate demand for travel to Australia.

Further changes to schedules include 14 additional 747s from Johannesburg in October and November to meet the expected demand associated with the Rugby World Cup.

Mr Borghetti said Qantas was also looking at increasing capacity between New Zealand and Queensland, with additional services for the peak school holiday season.

"We are monitoring demand very closely and have the capability to respond immediately as and when markets recover," Mr Borghetti said.