Qantas reveals North American expansion plans

Qantas has officially announced further details on its ultra long haul strategy specifically geared towards its North America expansion plans which are as follows:

a) ORD-Chicago will be the next nonstop route to be launched by the carrier if the U.S Department of Transportation approves the joint venture between itself and American Airlines 

b) If for some reason, the JV does not get approved which would stall the start of ORD, then QF will operate a daily B789 from Brisbane to Seattle in code share with Alaskan Airlines of whom closely partners with the Aussie carrier too.

c) The A350-900LR has been ruled out by QF to operate nonstop flights from SYD/MEL to LHR and JFK and instead it has asked Airbus to manufacture the A350-1000LR to compete effectively versus the Boeing 777-8X 

Source: https://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-plans-non-stop-boeing-787-flights-to-chicago-or-seattle

Comments:

In 2017, demand between ORD and Australia was as follows (P2P only)

SYD - 31,000
MEL - 14,000
BNE - 6,000
PER - 3,000

Total 54,000 round trip passengers 

Whilst out of SEA it was 

SYD - 29,000
MEL - 13,000
BNE - 11,000
PER - 3,000

Total 56,000 round trip passengers