December 11 2016
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Australia-first deal brings nonstop flights from Perth to London

Emma Young

A nation-first deal between Perth Airport and Qantas for non-stop flights to London will bring tourism dollars flooding into WA according to the state government.

The national carrier confirmed on Sunday it would operate non-stop flights from Perth to London using the 787-9 Dreamliner from March 2018.

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Perth T1 Domestic fly through

A tour of the new T1 Terminal at Perth Domestic Airport

The route of almost 14,500 kilometres will be the first regular passenger service to directly link Australia with Europe, the third-longest passenger flight in the world and the longest on Qantas.

"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," Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said in a statement.

"The opportunities this opens up are huge.

"It's great news for travellers because it will make it easier to get to London. It's great news for Western Australia because it will bring jobs and tourism. And it's great news for the nation, because it will bring us closer to one of our biggest trade partners and sources of visitors."

He said the 787's interior was designed for comfort on extended flights, with economy seat features matching those usually associated with premium economy, while business class seats had been nicknamed 'mini First class' by frequent flyers and on-board service was being redesigned to help reduce jetlag.

He said enhanced Qantas cabin design was in addition to comfort factors Boeing built in to the Dreamliner, including improved air quality, lower cabin noise and turbulence-reducing technology.

It was hoped that not only east coast residents would use the service but that Europeans would now kickstart their Australian holidays in Perth.

Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett said the deal could inject more than $36 million a year into the economy.

In helping to secure the deal between the airline and Perth Airport, the government committed $14 million for the necessary upgrades for border services at domestic terminal T3.

The airline's current international services from Perth to Singapore and Auckland would also move to this terminal.

These would be interim measures until Qantas relocated its international terminal T1 by 2025.

"Over time it is expected it will open up the potential for direct routes to and from other European cities," Mr Barnett said.

"With Perth's large UK expat population, direct flights are anticipated to drive increased visitation from visiting friends and relatives. In addition, direct services from a Qantas hub are likely to improve trade links."

A Qantas hub was also expected to create new jobs at the national carrier in Perth and within businesses providing support services to hub operations.

"It is anticipated Qantas will increase the number of pilots based in Perth as well as job opportunities on the ground and there is also potential for Western Australian produce to be used on the long haul flights," Mr Barnett said.

Seats will go on sale in April 2017 for the first services in March 2018.

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