17-1-204 (SINGAPORE) Qantas, the Australian airline, is set to resume flights between Singapore and Darwin in December, breaking an 18-year absence on this route and introducing competition to Singapore Airlines (SIA), the current sole service provider. Pending regulatory approval, Qantas will initiate five-hour flights between Changi Airport and Darwin five days a week starting December 9, 2024, with plans to operate daily from March 2025.
Qantas announced the use of Embraer E190 regional jets on this route, known for their 94-seat configuration featuring both economy and business class cabins. These aircraft, the smallest passenger jets at Changi Airport in terms of seat capacity, will help the airline re-enter the market. Ticket sales commenced on January 17, with return trip fares starting from $792.
This move is expected to introduce over 60,000 seats annually to the Singapore-Darwin route. Qantas highlighted the E190s’ flexibility, enabling the airline to open up routes that might not be feasible with larger aircraft. The Embraer jets have been in service since 2022 when Qantas established a base for them at Darwin Airport under a three-year deal with Australian carrier Alliance Airlines, which operates the aircraft. Qantas holds an almost 20% stake in Alliance.
The Singapore-Darwin route marks Qantas’ second international service from Darwin, following flights to Dili in Timor-Leste introduced in 2022 using the same E190s. Cam Wallace, Qantas International chief executive, emphasized the positive impact of the Darwin service on the airline’s international network, fostering stronger trade, business, and tourism ties between Singapore and Australia.
Wallace highlighted the time-saving benefits of the new service for passengers heading to Alice Springs and other Australian cities, eliminating the need to fly through other state capitals. The flights also offer a one-stop option for Qantas passengers traveling from Darwin to Europe and Asia via Singapore.
Presently, SIA is the sole provider of non-stop flights between Singapore and Darwin using Boeing 737-8 Max planes. However, starting March 31, SIA will increase the frequency to a daily service, restoring pre-pandemic flight levels. Notably, Qantas subsidiary Jetstar Asia, which is 49% owned by Qantas, previously operated non-stop flights on this route until August 2022.
