The QF9 service – one of the world’s longest – will now stop over in Singapore because the 787’s range isn’t long enough to divert around the Middle East.
Federal Court Justice John Halley has dismissed the case brought by the women, ruling that it has no grounds under the international Montreal Convention governing the rules of aviation.
Twice-weekly A321neo flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays commenced earlier this month and will run until 26 October, with an additional Thursday service to begin on 25 June. The previous Cairns–Auckland service ended in October last year.
The airline launched its second base at Melbourne Airport on 30 March 2023 and now serves 11 destinations from the city, including seven not served by any other carrier and nine not served by any other low-cost carrier.
The move, unveiled by newly appointed loyalty chief Andrew Glance, comes amid criticism that the current system is difficult to use and points have effectively devalued over the years.