Qantas confirmed plans to launch the longest flight in the world: a non-stop, 17-hour flight from Perth (PSL) to London (LHR).

The Australian flag carrier will launch the flight using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, designed to offer improved comfort on long-haul flights. The route will launch in March 2018, marking the first direct link from Australia to Europe and the shortest and fastest version of the Kangaroo Route.

The history-making route marks a milestone for business and leisure travel, tourism and trade, according to Alan Joyce, CEO, Qantas Group: “When Qantas created the Kangaroo Route to London in 1947, it took four days and nine stops. Now it will take just 17 hours from Perth non-stop. This is a game-changing route flown by a game-changing aircraft. Australians have never had a direct link to Europe before, so the opportunities this opens up are huge.”

The aircraft’s design will offer premium-economy features in economy class, and the aircraft’s business class has been nicknamed “mini first class” by frequent flyers. Specially curated onboard service will also aim to minimize jet lag, and the cabin design will offer improved air quality, lower cabin noise and technology to reduce turbulence.

The new flight will operate through Qantas’ existing domestic terminals (T3/4), which will be upgraded to accommodate international flights. Seats on the Perth–London flight go on sale in April 2017. The Dreamliner will carry 236 passengers across business, premium-economy and economy cabins.