Queensland is set to be connected directly with Texas for the first time, thanks to new daily American Airlines services from Brisbane to Dallas Fort Worth on October 27.

The new flights come at an exciting time for Queensland, with Brisbane recently gaining new services to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Korea and Japan over the past 12 months.

American Airlines’ Vice President International Operations, José Freig, said as travel to North America from Asia Pacific continues to grow in demand, the introduction of American’s second route to Australia ensures even greater adventure opportunities for those travelling from Down Under.

He said Dallas Fort Worth Airport serves as an important gateway to explore other parts of the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America, which is sure to be popular with Australian travellers.

“We’ve had an incredible response from travellers looking to venture to North America and beyond from Australia, so we’re excited to be further strengthening our Asia-Pacific footprint as we add sunny Queensland to our growing list of destinations,” Freig said.

“With our new route and our partnership with Qantas, we hope to open-up the world even more to customers.

“With this new route, our customers in Brisbane will have access to our largest U.S. hub, from where they can connect to explore unexplored and much-loved destinations around the world; from sunny Miami, to the deep South in Sao Paolo and beyond.”

When American’s seasonal service begins, it will be the longest nonstop flight in the airline’s network and operated by a reconfigured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring the carrier’s newly designed Flagship Suite Premium Economy seats.

“American Airlines’ entry into the market is a milestone moment, locking in Brisbane Airport’s 30th direct international connection, our 25th international airline, and Brisbane’s longest route,” said Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff.

“Its’ Dallas Fort Worth hub will provide travellers with a world of options in North, Central and South America.

“It underscores Brisbane’s allure as a global destination, and unlocks fresh tourism and business prospects for Queensland, with every jet providing export opportunities to the USA.

“Our partnership with American Airlines supercharges Brisbane Airport’s position as an aviation hub and will be Brisbane’s 4th gateway into North America, alongside Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.”

Freig said the joint business between American and Qantas continues to offer customers one of the most comprehensive networks connecting North America and Australia and New Zealand.

Next winter, the partnership will offer services from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK) and Vancouver, Canada (YVR), to three major gateways in Australia: Brisbane (BNE), Melbourne (MEL), Sydney (SYD) and Auckland, New Zealand (AKL).

“As part of the American–Qantas partnership, customers will be able to connect to more than 200 destinations across the U.S., and nearly 70 destinations across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, more than any other partnership,” Freig said.

American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, Brian Znotins, added: “American is thrilled to grow our international network to give customers more ways to escape the cold next winter.

“Together with Qantas, customers can enjoy more ways to explore new destinations across one of the most comprehensive networks connecting the United States and the South Pacific.”