Western Australia continues to reconnect with the world with two new international routes to take flight later this year as part of the McGowan Government’s plans to diversify the economy.
New 11 hour non-stop flights to South Africa will launch from November 1, with Qantas to operate three return flights per week from Perth to Johannesburg on its Airbus A330 – reconnecting South Africa to WA with a direct route for the first time since 2020.
The Johannesburg route will be the only direct connection between WA and South Africa, and is expected to be highly sought after as it removes any transit via Sydney, Singapore or the Middle East, which travellers currently have to contend with.
Direct flights between Perth and Jakarta will start from November 30, with Qantas to offer three flights per week on its Boeing 737 aircraft.
The four and a half hour new route will help build important economic relationships between WA and Indonesia, an important trading partner.
Fares for both routes go on sale today with Perth-Jakarta flights starting from $870 return and Perth-Johannesburg fares from $1,800 return.
Each new route is a first for Qantas and both have been supported by the State Government’s $195 million Reconnect WA package through Tourism WA.
In 2019, Indonesia was WA’s seventh largest international market by number of visitors, with 38,800 visitors spending an estimated $81 million in the State.
That same year, South Africa was the State’s 14th largest international market by number of visitors, with 20,000 visitors spending an estimated $32 million in WA.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“These two flights prove that our message is being heard loud and clear – WA is safe, open and reconnected with the world.
“These two flights are a vote of confidence in our State and are important aviation connections that will improve international access to WA, which is vital in diversifying our economy.
“Having direct connections to both Jakarta and Johannesburg will drive visitors to WA and increase business, investment and study opportunities from Indonesia and South Africa to Western Australia.
“They will get to experience our wonderful State, which is known for its iconic beaches, natural landscapes and world-class food and wine destinations, engage with our incredible tourism industry, and do business or study in WA – injecting millions into our economy and creating jobs for Western Australians.
“The State Government is committed to increasing WA’s aviation capacity and securing new routes like these Jakarta and Johannesburg services, through the $195 million Reconnect WA package, and ensure these flights could be made a reality.
“We’ve worked with Qantas and Perth Airport to help make these routes a reality, and I want to acknowledge both Perth Airport and Qantas, for their co-operative approach to deliver these flights.”
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
“The launch of these two important routes on top of the new direct flights to the UK and Continental Europe firmly establishes Perth as the western gateway to Australia.
“I know from my recent mission to East Java that the demand for both tourism and trade with Western Australia is only going to keep increasing, so it is vital we make it easy for both travel and air freight.
“Java’s population of about 150 million is almost six times the size of Australia, while Jakarta alone has almost 11 million people.
“So that gives you an idea of the opportunity ahead for WA by having closer ties with Jakarta.
“We strongly encourage Indonesians and South Africans, particularly those with friends and family in our State, to take advantage of these fantastic new flights and visit your loved ones in Western Australia.”
