17:20 for 14,264 km. That's how long the new flight between Perth and Paris, operated by the Australian airline Qantas, has been running since 14 July. Qantas is no stranger to France. In the 1990s, it operated an air service between Paris and Sydney with a stopover in Singapore.
Another time, another era: it's the first non-stop link between Paris and Australia. And to the city of Perth, capital of the State of Western Australia. The new route will cut the fastest journey time between the two cities by around three hours. It is also the longest non-stop flight from France to the rest of the world.
Three weekly flights after the Olympics
Initially, flights will operate four times a week during the European summer and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, before increasing to three weekly flights from mid-August. This is the third non-stop route between Australia and Europe, with Qantas already serving Perth. from London Heathrow and Rome Fiumicino. " In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of customers wanting direct flights on long-haul routes, avoiding stopovers wherever possible." said Vanessa Hudson, Group CEO. Qantas
However, passengers wishing to travel to Perth on the non-stop flight will have to be patient. In the first few weeks, it will mainly be the Australian Olympic delegations that will fill the aircraft. " With fluid connections from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other major cities, Perth to be Paris's gateway to Australiasaid Rita Saffioti, Western Australia's Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism. Qantas offers services to over 60 destinations across the country" .
Exceptional on-board service
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is providing the service. Specially designed for long-haul journeys, it offers passengers large windows, a high level of humidity in the cabin - which makes it possible to maintain a high level of comfort.reduce the jet-lag effect -as well as relaxing mood lighting. To mark the start of direct flights to Paris, Qantas has launched a number of initiatives for its customers, including limited edition Martin Grant pyjamas with matching kits and menus designed by chef Neil Perry for the Business cabin. The menus include classic French dishes.
Qantas has no intention of stopping there, and will continue to invest in Perth. The Australian carrier has just signed an agreement with the airport to increase capacity there, with Qantas planning to add 4.4 million extra seats to and from Perth by 2031.
