Australian airline Qantas confirmed plans to launch the world’s longest flight in March. The route will operate between Perth (PER) and London (LHR) and will take around 17 hours, depending on wind conditions and direction of travel. The flight will also mark the world’s first non-stop route between Australia and Europe.
The route will be operated by three-class 236-seat Boeing 787s.
Alan Joyce, CEO, Qantas, said, “When Qantas created the kangaroo route between London and Australia in 1947 it [air service] took four days and nine stops, now it will take just 17 hours from Perth nonstop.”
Reports indicate there could be up to 14 flights a week. Seats will go on sale in April 2017.
Added Joyce, “That’s why we have features in our economy seats that other airlines reserve for premium economy. Our business suite has been nicknamed “mini first class” by many of our frequent flyers. And we’re redesigning our onboard service to help reduce jetlag.”
The announcement is expected to be a major boost for Qantas, which has lost passengers to rivals over the past decades.
The airline will operate these international flights from Perth’s domestic terminal, which will be upgraded to handle international flights.
Says Joyce, “We’ll be looking at the timing of our domestic flights through Perth to offer the best connections we can to our international flights, particularly given they will all be under one roof.”
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