Qantas commences first nonstop service between Australia and the UK

Qantas launched (24-Mar-2018) daily nonstop Perth-London Heathrow service, operating with 236 seat Boeing 787-9 equipment on 24-Mar-2018. The 14,498km, 17 hour service is the first nonstop air link between Australia and Europe. The service (QF9) originates in Melbourne, operating to Perth then London. Qantas adjusted the timing of some domestic services into Perth so passengers from Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane can join the London service. Qantas stated the service reduces total travel time between the continents by eliminating stopovers and taking advantage of the most favourable winds on any given day, without having to factor in a mid point in the Middle East or Asia when choosing a flight path. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said this is a "truly historic flight that opens up a new era of travel" and the response to the service has been "amazing" from both business and leisure travel segments. [more - original PR]