Qatar Airways has said that it will be increasing passenger capacity on its flights to and from Perth in Australia, starting December 6, 2022.

Previously operated by the Boeing B777-300ER, passengers will be able to fly on the A380, featuring a three-class configuration. The aircraft will accommodate an additional 163 passengers daily, adding up to 517 seats, with eight in first class seats, 48 in business class and 461 in economy class.

This update is part of the recent strategic partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia.

Launched in September 2022, the partnership opens travel to over 150 destinations across the Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia networks, creating a new gateway of travel between Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, the carrier said in a statement.

Qatar Airways group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is imperative for Australian travellers to feel welcome in our city whether they are transiting or visiting Doha.”

“During the much anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, all flights to and from Perth will be scheduled taking into consideration football match timings so that all fans can enjoy the biggest event of the year.”

Qatar Airways said that it has carried over 330,000 passengers in and out of Australia between March 2020 to December 2021 via both commercial flights and special chartered services.

Daily Flight Schedule:
FIFA 2022 (December 6–20)

Flight No	From	To	Operation	Departure	Arrival	Duration
QR900	Doha	Perth	Daily	3.15am	7.15pm	11
QR901	Perth	Doha	Daily	9.50pm	4.20am (+1)	11:30

Winter 2022 (effective December 21)

Flight No	From	To	Operation	Departure	Arrival	Duration
QR900	Doha	Perth	Daily	2.35am	6.35pm	11
QR901	Perth	Doha	Daily	10.55pm	5.25am (+1)	11:30

Qatar Airways Group reported a record net profit of QAR5.6bn ($1.54bn) during the fiscal year 2021/22, 200 per cent above its highest annual historical profit.

Read: Qatar Airways Group reports highest net profit in 25-year history