Qantas has inaugurated a new 787-9 Dreamliner service between Australia and France with its first direct flight from Perth to Paris. This marks the airline’s return to the French capital after a 20-year hiatus.
The new route significantly reduces travel time, shaving off approximately three hours compared to previous options. It now stands as the longest non-stop flight to France from anywhere globally.
Initially, the service will operate four times weekly during the busy European summer and Olympic season.
This will later reduce to thrice-weekly from mid-August. This addition will provide 75,000 extra seats annually between Australia and Europe.
A Return to Paris
The newly re-established Perth-Paris connection is set to revolutionize travel between the two continents.
By eliminating stopovers, the route slashes approximately three hours off the current fastest travel time. This makes it the longest non-stop flight to France from any global destination.
Initially, Qantas will operate this service four times per week. This caters to the high demand during the European summer and the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.
From mid-August, the frequency will adjust to three weekly flights, striking a balance between demand and operational efficiency.
This strategic scheduling is projected to inject an additional 75,000 seats annually into the Australia-Europe travel market, significantly boosting connectivity and tourism opportunities.
Qantas CEO Comments
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed enthusiasm about the new route, highlighting its alignment with evolving customer preferences.
“There’s palpable excitement among our customers and crew about Qantas’ return to Paris, particularly with this non-stop service from Perth.”
“In recent years, we’ve observed a marked increase in demand for direct long-haul flights, with travelers increasingly prioritizing routes that avoid stopovers.”
“Our direct services from Perth to London and Rome have consistently achieved some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings across our international network.”
Hudson further emphasized the convenience of the new route, adding, “With these new flights, our customers can depart Perth in the evening and arrive in Paris just in time to enjoy a leisurely brunch with a view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a game-changer for both leisure and business travelers.”
Supporting Western Australian Tourism
The significance of this new route extends beyond mere convenience. Western Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti underscored its importance in the state’s broader tourism strategy.
“We’re thrilled to see the Perth-Paris flight take off, expanding our direct international connections to 20 destinations.”
“This aligns perfectly with our overarching tourism strategy, as we know that accessibility is a key factor in travel decisions.”
“Direct flights make destinations more appealing, and this new route represents another significant win for Western Australia’s tourism sector.”
Saffioti also highlighted the potential for increased inbound tourism: “For French tourists eager to explore the natural wonders of Australia, Perth now serves as an ideal entry point.”
“With Qantas offering connections to over 60 destinations across the country, visitors can easily continue their journey to other parts of Australia.”
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Operations
The flights will be operated using Qantas’ state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. These planes are specially designed for long-haul travel, featuring large windows, higher cabin humidity, and advanced mood lighting systems.
These features work in concert to help passengers feel more refreshed upon arrival, mitigating the effects of jet lag and enhancing the overall travel experience.
To commemorate the launch of this restored route, Qantas has unveiled a series of special initiatives:
- Limited-edition Martin Grant-designed pajamas and matching amenity kits for premium passengers
- Neil Perry-curated Business class menus featuring classic French dishes, including Bouillabaisse of snapper and Skull Island prawns, complemented by a French 75 cocktail
- A curated selection of French cinema on the in-flight entertainment system throughout July, featuring beloved films set in Paris such as “Amélie” and “Midnight in Paris”
Conclusion
This route launch is part of a broader expansion strategy for Qantas. It follows a recent landmark agreement between the airline and Perth Airport aimed at developing Qantas’ western hub.
Combined with the Group’s ongoing fleet renewal program, this initiative is expected to add 4.4 million additional seats to and from Perth by 2031.
With Perth Airport recently showing signs of a resurgent aviation sector, this further cements Western Australia’s position as a key international gateway.
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