Delta Air Lines will launch direct flights between Los Angeles and Brisbane from 4 December, providing a major boost to Queensland’s tourism and export sectors.
The US carrier will operate three return flights per week during the Australian summer, catering to Americans seeking to escape the northern winter for Queensland’s warm climate and world-renowned beaches.
With support from the Queensland Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, Delta is expected to increase this route to daily services by 2025-26. This will see all three of the world’s largest airlines – Delta, United, and American – offering direct connections between Brisbane and the US.
The new services are projected to bring up to 114,000 visitors to Queensland over three years, injecting as much as $208 million into the local economy and supporting 840 jobs.
Delta’s Airbus A350-900 will also boost Queensland exports, with capacity to carry up to 20 tonnes of freight per flight. Queensland’s air freight exports to the US were worth $384 million last financial year, contributing to a $3.1 billion trade relationship.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the government’s aviation investment strategy was delivering for Queensland tourism and exporters.
“We know Americans love to escape their winter and enjoy Queensland’s weather, beaches, and unique culture. This partnership ensures they can do so with any of the world’s three largest airlines,” he said.
Tourism Minister Michael Healy welcomed the expansion, calling it a “huge win” for Queensland’s international tourism recovery.
“The US was Queensland’s third-largest visitor market in 2019, and this new service will help us attract more American tourists, international students, and their families,” he said.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaf said the Delta service would strengthen ties between Queensland and the US.
“American tourists love Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Noosa, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Outback,” he said. “Right now, Brisbane is a must-add destination for North American carriers.”
Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning, Joe Esposito, said the expansion marked Delta’s most extensive schedule to the South Pacific to date.
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said joint marketing campaigns would commence mid-year to drive demand for the new flights.