Qantas has completed two major charter operations to bring NFL teams to Melbourne ahead of the league’s first‑ever regular‑season game in Australia.
The Los Angeles Rams landed at Melbourne Cricket Ground on a dedicated Qantas A380 service, following the arrival of the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the week.
Each long‑haul charter covered roughly 12,900 kilometres and required four pilots, 22 cabin crew and a travelling charter manager on board, underscoring the scale of the operation. Between the two flights, Qantas transported more than 20 tonnes of team equipment and over 2,000 meals — with some catering even stowed in overhead lockers due to volume.
Menus were developed alongside each team’s nutrition staff, resulting in protein‑heavy dishes including double‑portion cheeseburgers, extra‑steak sandwiches and tailored sides designed to meet athlete requirements.
As the Official Airline Partner of the NFL in Australia and New Zealand, Qantas reports a surge in inbound travel linked to the game. Bookings from the United States rose 50 percent year‑on‑year in the fortnight leading up to the event, while demand from New Zealand increased more than 30 percent during game week. Travel into Melbourne from all markets climbed by over 10 percent across the same period.
To mark the occasion, Qantas produced limited‑edition pyjamas in each team’s colours, surprising customers on select flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco with themed sleepwear at the boarding gates.
Qantas Group Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer Danielle Keighery said the airline wanted the journey to feel like part of the event itself, noting the excitement surrounding Melbourne’s hosting of one of the world’s biggest sporting fixtures. She highlighted the strong booking uplift and the airline’s pride in supporting the historic game at the MCG.
NFL General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Charlotte Offord, praised Qantas for ensuring seamless travel for both teams and fans heading to Melbourne for the landmark match.
