Qantas to launch first flights to Chicago

Qantas today announced it would commence its first services to Chicago from Melbourne via Los Angeles three times each week from 31 March 2003.

Qantas Executive General Manager Sales and Marketing John Borghetti said these services, operated by the airline's long range 747-400 ER aircraft, would provide customers with the fastest travel time and only through-flight from Australia to Chicago.

"Qantas customers travelling on QF107 Sydney-Los Angeles services will also arrive in Los Angeles in time to connect with the Qantas Chicago flights," he said.

He said the new schedule, effective from 31 March 2003, also included three new services each week from Sydney to Los Angeles, offering convenient early morning arrivals.

Mr Borghetti said that under the new schedule Qantas would add 25 per cent capacity on the route by operating 33 services each week between Los Angeles and Australia.

"Qantas operates more services each week between Australia and North America than any other carrier. Customers travelling to Los Angeles have the option of onward Qantas services to New York three times a week and now Chicago three times a week," he said.