OREANDA-NEWS. Qantas today announced an increase in capacity on services from Sydney to Honolulu from 20 December this year.

Qantas will increase services from three to four per week and upgrade the service from a B767 to an A330 aircraft, adding 253 seats per week on the route.

Additionally, during subsequent peak holiday periods such as school holidays and Easter when demand is at its highest, Qantas will make seasonal adjustments and increase the service to five per week.

Previously announced, from 14 September, the three per week B767 services will also be upgraded to an A330.

Stephen Thompson Qantas Executive Manager Global Sales and Offshore Operations said: "Increasing capacity to Honolulu delivers on our strategy to be more flexible and respond to market conditions. Hawaii is an exceptionally popular destination for our frequent flyers and premium leisure customers and demand continues to grow, especially during school holidays.”

“We will continue to adjust our schedules to take advantage of seasonal revenue opportunities. We recently adjusted our Tasman schedule to capitalise on peak travel periods and last summer introduced our seasonal Perth to Auckland services. We've also upgraded our popular Dallas service to an A380 aircraft starting next month.”

The additional services will be made possible through the transfer of one of Jetstar's A330s to the Qantas fleet, which also enables the progressive retirement of our B767s as previously announced earlier this year.

The new service will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from both Sydney and Honolulu.

Australian visitor numbers to Hawai'i reached record levels last year, with over 300,000 travelling to the island destination, an increase of 24.3 per cent on the previous year. In 2012 visitor numbers increased by 33.9% and in 2011 they increased by 33.6% and indications suggest it is set to continue.

The Qantas A330 offers customers travelling in Business an award-winning Skybed with in-seat video screens, two complimentary self-service bars, as well as an International Business service including Neil Perry-designed menus, inflight amenities and pyjamas. Customers in Economy enjoy a comfortable seat with an enhanced adjustable winged headrest, contemporary menus and a continuous refreshment service. All customers can enjoy over 500 on-demand entertainment options and premium Australian wines.