Qantas flies into US agreement

QANTAS is expanding its offering in the American market, announcing the carrier's return to a San Francisco route.

Subject to approval from regulators, the flying kangaroo and American Airlines on Wednesday announced a partnership that will have the US carrier fly from Los Angeles to Sydney for the first time.

Qantas will start a Sydney-San Francisco leg in December.

They also plan to expand into trans-Pacific markets not served by either airline, such as New Zealand.

Qantas chief executive officer Alan Joyce said in a media release the alliance was good news for travellers and the local tourism industry.