Delta Air Lines launches new route between Brisbane and Los Angeles in move that could slash ticket prices

The decision by a major US airline to fly to a second Australian city has raised hopes of more competition and lower prices for fliers.

Delta Air Lines has announced it will operate a four-class Airbus A350-900 from Los Angeles to Brisbane and back three times a week from December 4.

The airline has been lured to Queensland by the state government by offering $200 million from its growing aviation investment fund. This is expected to attract 114,000 visitors, who will spend an estimated $208 million.

Although flights are not initially scheduled until March 25, there are hopes that the route will be commercially viable and lead to permanent daily departures.

The major US airline already operates a flight from LA to Sydney.

With United and American Airlines already operating flights from Brisbane to LA, this means the three largest US airlines will be competing with Qantas on the route.

Air Canada also flies to North America from Brisbane.

It is hoped that increased international competition will lead to more local competition and lower ticket prices.

Delta Air Lines Senior Vice President of Network Planning Joe Esposito said the new route was exciting.

Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Cameron Dick said the deal would bring many Americans to the Sunshine State.

“We know Americans are eager to escape the frigid North American winter and enjoy Queensland’s beautiful weather, beaches, hinterland and culture,” he said.

“The increased service should also put downward pressure on airline prices while providing more opportunities for Queensland’s exporters to tap into the world’s largest economy.”

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaf said the city was “charting unprecedented territory” and “witnessing an unprecedented level of interest” from North American markets.

It is hoped the influx of visitors from America will generate revenue for Queensland and lead to more competition on flight prices

“I’m not sure if it’s the upcoming Olympics or the insatiable appetite for Bluey, but right now Brisbane is the ‘must add’ destination for North American airlines, and this opens up a world of possibilities,” he said.

Bringing more competition to Australian airspace has been a hot issue lately.

Last October, the Senate held an opposition-led inquiry into the Albanian government’s controversial decision to ban Qatari airlines from operating more domestic flights in Australia.

Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has made no secret of his lobbying of the government on the issue of Qatar Airways getting more flights to Australia.

He told a Senate cost-of-living inquiry on August 28 that Qantas “presented its case to the government” and “made representations” in a letter in October 2022.

Transport Minister Catherine King formally rejected Qatar’s request in July 2023, but denied remembering any lobbying by Qantas.