Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of Singapore, flying from a single hub at Changi. Qantas is Australia's flag carrier, with hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Travellers compare them mainly on Australia–Singapore and Australia–Europe journeys, where both are full-service airlines offering four cabins on some aircraft.
Quick verdict
Both are full-service carriers, so the choice comes down to network, alliance and cabin on your specific flight. Singapore Airlines suits travellers connecting through Changi to Asia and Europe, or those who want a Star Alliance itinerary. Qantas suits anyone flying within Australia or connecting onwards from it, and those collecting points in oneworld. Check the aircraft type for your flight, because cabins differ on both airlines.
Choose Singapore Airlines if…
- You are connecting through Changi to one of its 87 destinations across Asia and beyond.
- You collect Star Alliance miles or want KrisFlyer and PPS Club benefits.
- You want a modern long-haul fleet, including the A350-900ULR and 787-10.
Choose Qantas if…
- Your trip includes domestic Australian flights, as Qantas serves more than 60 domestic destinations.
- You collect oneworld status or Qantas Frequent Flyer points.
- You want a First suite on the A380, or access to Qantas First Lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and elsewhere.
At a glance
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Key differences
Network and hubs
Singapore Airlines runs everything through Changi, serving 87 destinations as of 2026. That makes it a strong choice for one-stop connections between Asia, Australia and Europe. Qantas has four Australian hubs (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth) plus focus cities such as Adelaide, Cairns and Darwin. It flies to Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and South America. Qantas is the better fit for getting around Australia; Singapore Airlines is better for onward links beyond it.
Cabins and seats
Both offer four cabins on their largest aircraft. Singapore Airlines puts First (Suites) on the A380 and some 777-300ERs. Its 787-10 and 737 MAX 8 have only Business and Economy. Qantas offers First only on the A380, with 14 suites in a 1-1-1 layout, and Business, Premium Economy and Economy on international flights. Qantas Economy pitch is usually 79 cm (31 in). Always check the seat map for your flight number.
Singapore–Sydney route
Both airlines fly between Singapore and Sydney. Cabins vary by aircraft type on both, so check the aircraft for your date: the Qantas A380 has First, while other aircraft may not.
Fleet and renewal
Singapore Airlines had 164 aircraft in March 2026, including 12 freighters. It has 31 Boeing 777-9s on order, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027, to replace older A380s and 777-300ERs. Qantas lists a mainline fleet of 132 aircraft. The wider Qantas Group, including Jetstar and QantasLink, had 308 in November 2024. Qantas has large orders for A350, 787, A220 and A320neo-family aircraft to replace older types.
Loyalty, alliances and lounges
Singapore Airlines belongs to Star Alliance (since April 2000) and runs KrisFlyer, with the PPS Club for top members and SilverKris lounges. Qantas is a founding member of oneworld and runs Qantas Frequent Flyer. Its First Lounges are in Auckland, Melbourne, Singapore, Sydney and Los Angeles, with Business Lounges in cities including Brisbane, Hong Kong and London. Pick the airline whose alliance matches the miles you already hold.
Safety record
Qantas has had no jet fatalities, and its last fatal accidents were in 1951. It was named the world's safest airline for seven years from 2012 to 2019, and again in 2021. Both airlines are established flag carriers, and safety is rarely the deciding factor between them.
Frequently asked questions
Is Singapore Airlines better than Qantas?
Neither is better on every route. Both are full-service airlines. Singapore Airlines is stronger for connections through Changi, and Qantas is stronger within Australia. Compare the aircraft and cabin on your specific flight.
Which alliance are Singapore Airlines and Qantas in?
Singapore Airlines is in Star Alliance, which it joined in April 2000. Qantas is a founding member of oneworld.
Does Qantas have First Class?
Yes, but only on the A380. It has 14 suites in a 1-1-1 layout. Singapore Airlines also offers First (Suites) on the A380 and some 777-300ERs.
About Singapore Airlines Read more
Overview
Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of Singapore. According to Wikipedia, its origins lie in Malayan Airways, founded on 1 May 1947, and it began operating under its current name on 1 October 1972. Temasek Holdings owns 53% of the company. The headquarters are at Airline House, Changi. The airline has belonged to Star Alliance since April 2000. Its group includes the low-cost carrier Scoot, SIA Engineering Company and Singapore Airlines Cargo, and it holds 25.1% of Air India Limited.
Network and hubs
The sole hub is Changi Airport. The airline served 87 destinations as of 2026 (Wikipedia). It operates long-haul services using Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft, and regional routes with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which were added after the merger with SilkAir.
Fleet
As of March 2026, Wikipedia's fleet page lists 164 registered aircraft: 152 passenger aircraft and 12 freighters. The passenger fleet includes:
- Airbus A350-900: 58, plus 7 A350-900ULR
- Airbus A380-800: 13
- Boeing 777-300ER: 25
- Boeing 787-10: 28
- Boeing 737 MAX 8: 21
The airline has 31 Boeing 777-9 aircraft on order, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. These are due to replace older A380s and 777-300ERs. Three more 787-10s are also on order.
On board
Cabin layouts vary by aircraft. The A380-800 has First (Suites), Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The 777-300ER has Premium Economy, Business and Economy cabins, and some aircraft also carry a small First cabin. The 787-10 and 737 MAX 8 have Business and Economy only, according to the same fleet table. Seat pitch, meal and entertainment details were not verified for this profile; check the official website.
Good to know
- Loyalty programme: KrisFlyer, with the PPS Club for top-tier members.
- Baggage allowances and change fees depend on fare and route. Check the airline's website before booking.
- Scoot, the group's low-cost carrier, is a separate airline with different fares and baggage rules.
About Qantas Read more
Overview
Qantas Airways Limited is the flag carrier of Australia. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in Winton, Queensland, in November 1920 and began operations in 1922. It is one of the world's oldest airlines still operating. It is listed on the ASX, majority Australian-owned under Australian legislation, and headquartered in Mascot, Sydney. It is a founding member of the oneworld alliance. Vanessa Hudson is chief executive.
Network and hubs
Qantas has hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, with focus cities including Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin and Hobart. It serves more than 60 domestic destinations and flies to Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and South America. It describes itself as the only airline to fly to all seven continents. Subsidiaries include Jetstar (low-cost) and QantasLink (regional).
Fleet
Wikipedia lists a mainline fleet of 132 aircraft (retrieved September 2026). In November 2024 the wider Qantas Group, including Jetstar, QantasLink and freight operations, operated 308 aircraft. The group has large orders for A220, A320neo family, A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft to replace older types. Seat maps for each type are on the Qantas fleet page.
On board
- First: A380 only, with 14 suites in a 1-1-1 layout.
- Business, Premium Economy and Economy: offered internationally. Economy seat pitch is usually 79 cm (31 in).
- Entertainment: seat-back audio-video on demand on A330, 787 and selected A380 aircraft.
Meal and Wi-Fi details vary by route and aircraft; check the airline's website for your flight.
Good to know
- Lounges: international First Lounges operate in Auckland, Melbourne, Singapore, Sydney and Los Angeles, with Business Lounges in several other cities.
- Loyalty: Qantas Frequent Flyer. Its higher tiers and oneworld status give lounge access.
- Baggage and change fees: these depend on fare type and route. Check the airline's baggage and fees pages when booking.
- Safety: Qantas has had no jet fatalities. Its last fatal accidents were in 1951.
Sources: Wikipedia, Qantas; Qantas fleet and seat maps.
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