Qantas' SVP for Asia Returns to Singapore with Expanded Remit as Airline Increases Flights

Dark/Light Mode (14/07/23)  John Simeone, Qantas’ Senior Vice President for Asia, has returned to Singapore as the Australian national carrier continues to restore its international network and expand into new markets.

John was based in the city pre-COVID19 and has returned with an expanded remit that now also includes Japan, India and South Korea.

Having spent almost 30 years working in the aviation industry, John’s experience includes roles within commercial, sales, network planning, tourism development and operations.

John Simeone

He returns at a pivotal time, as Qantas accelerates through its recovery from COVID19. In the past few months, the airline has launched new routes, including from Seoul to Sydney and Jakarta to Melbourne.

Flights from Tokyo to Melbourne and Brisbane and from Hong Kong to Melbourne have resumed for the first time since before COVID, and Qantas is continuing to upgrade the cabins of its Airbus A380 aircraft, which fly through Singapore.

The airline is also adding the following flights between Asia and Australia, from late October 2023:

• Shanghai-Sydney will resume for the first time in more than three years with daily A330 flights;

• Hong Kong-Melbourne will increase from four per week to daily;

• Flights from Japan to Australia will double, increasing from 14 to 28 per week, offering the choice of four daily flights from Tokyo from late November;

• Delhi-Melbourne will increase from three to six per week over the peak Australian summer season;

• Singapore-Melbourne will increase from 10 to 14 per week from 31 March 2024; and

• Singapore-Sydney will increase from 14 to 15 per week from 31 March 2024.

John will also continue to work with trade partners on the roll out of its Qantas Distribution Platform in Asia. The platform is designed to enhance the service that agents provide to customers, with a wider range of products, including special offers for Qantas Frequent Flyers, ancillary products and dynamic commission opportunities.

“Asia is an incredibly important region to Qantas, both geographically and commercially,” John said. “With international travel rebounding so strongly, our teams are focused on reconnecting with our key partners and customers across the region.”

The airline recently started to roll out a multi-million dollar investment in new menus, larger meals and premium produce across all cabins in its regional, domestic and international network, including on flights from Singapore.

Qantas currently operates more than 110 return services per week between Asia and Australia with a mix of A380, A330, 787, 737 and E190 aircraft.

The airline also operates daily A380 services between Singapore and London and offers customers connections with Jetstar Asia and other partners across the region.

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