SYDNEY — Qantas is taking a significant step toward adding Las Vegas to its U.S. network, with the Australian flag carrier confirming it is actively evaluating the city for future nonstop service. Bolstered by strong charter performance and repeat demand tied to Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) season, the route has quickly shifted from a distant possibility to a viable contender for seasonal operations beginning later this decade.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace told Executive Traveller that sustained internal analysis has pushed Las Vegas toward the top of the airline’s list of potential U.S. gateways. According to Wallace, the destination has emerged as a “clear target market” following deeper evaluation across both Qantas and Jetstar brands.
A key catalyst has been the airline’s performance on charter flights supporting the NRL’s annual season launch in Las Vegas. Qantas will again operate dedicated services for the February 2025 event, building on what executives describe as stronger-than-expected passenger uptake. That demand, Wallace noted, extends beyond sports fans and demonstrates broader interest in Las Vegas as a leisure destination. The trend is expected to grow further in 2026, when the NRL expands its event to two matches involving teams from New South Wales and Queensland.
The airline now sees clear seasonal potential rather than a limited-event spike. As Wallace emphasized, the shift is supported by “measured demand signals rather than speculation,” positioning Las Vegas as a strategic opportunity in the mid-term U.S. network plan.
Seasonal 787 Flights Under Consideration
Qantas is evaluating a seasonal Boeing 787 service as the most practical entry point into the market. The February charter program continues to serve as a controlled testing environment, allowing the airline to assess load factors, passenger mix, and yield dynamics before committing long-haul aircraft on a scheduled basis.
Still, fleet availability remains the primary constraint. The airline’s largest near-term growth lever will come with the delivery of up to 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners slated for the first half of 2028. Those aircraft will expand operational flexibility and open the door to additional U.S. routes that require long-range capability and high-capacity deployments. Executives caution that no launch timeline has been set, and any future announcement will depend on aircraft deliveries and validated market performance.
Route Options: Sydney, Brisbane, or a Jetstar-Led Strategy
Las Vegas has appeared before on Qantas’s shortlist of U.S. destinations, grouped with Chicago and Seattle. While Seattle may ultimately be served through coordination with oneworld partner Alaska Airlines, Las Vegas is expected to remain a Qantas Group initiative.
Sydney remains the most likely gateway for a full-service Qantas launch. However, Jetstar is actively studying a Brisbane–Las Vegas option. Jetstar CEO Steph Tully has described the pairing as a strong strategic match, citing market alignment and operational feasibility.
Jetstar’s 787 fleet will receive a major cabin and capability upgrade in 2026, including the addition of a dedicated crew rest area. That modification extends the aircraft’s flight range to approximately 16 hours, making nonstop service from Brisbane to Las Vegas technically achievable. The carrier will also more than double its business-class seating to 44 recliner-style seats—the same model used in Emirates’ premium economy—while introducing satellite-based Wi-Fi across long-haul operations.
These enhancements position Jetstar to support Qantas Group long-haul expansion while maintaining a low-cost structure and broader market reach.
A Data-Driven Path Forward
For Qantas, Las Vegas now represents a data-backed opportunity shaped by real-world performance rather than projection. Strong charter bookings, expanding sports tourism links, and upcoming fleet improvements have all contributed to renewed attention from the airline. Executives maintain that the decision will hinge on sustained demand indicators and aircraft readiness, but the route’s trajectory has clearly moved closer to the launch threshold.
As the Qantas Group continues refining its U.S. strategy, Las Vegas stands out as a market where leisure demand, event-driven travel, and operational capability may align to create one of the carrier’s most notable network additions in years.
