A new way to get to Europe set to take flight soon

Wednesday, 26 June 2024

Qantas is launching new Perth to Paris service next month

Some of the first customers on the flights are expected to be Australian athletes heading to Paris to compete at the Olympics and Paralympics

The mammoth 17-hour journey will begin on July 12

Just in time for the Olympics and Paralympics, Qantas is getting ready to launch its new route - Perth to Paris.

The mammoth 17-hour journey will begin on July 12, just a couple of weeks before the sporting spectacular begins.

Some of the first customers on the flights are expected to be Australian athletes heading to Paris to compete.

The Aussie carrier last operated the route via Singapore in 2004 using a Boeing 747. Now it is flying direct for the first time using its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Qantas Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer Catriona Larritt said the new route knocks hours off the current flight time between the centres.

“Our new direct Perth to Paris flights will cut around three hours off the current fastest travel time between the two cities and are shaping up to be really popular, particularly during the busy summer months,” said Larritt.

To celebrate the launch, Qantas has unveiled onboard menus that are inspired by classic French cuisine, while those in the pointy end will receive limited-edition pyjamas and amenity kits.

The service will initially run four times a week until the Olympics ends in mid-August. It will then become three times a week.

Currently two airlines fly direct from Auckland to Perth - Air New Zealand and Batik Air. But the Malaysian carrier recently announced it is suspending the route from July 19.