8 fast facts about Qantas’ first direct flight from Australia to Britain
Boeing Dreamliner, painted in livery based on indigenous artist, flies historic trip from Perth to London, with 200 passengers and 16 crew, in 17 hours
Qantas, the Australian carrier, launched one of the world’s longest direct flights last weekend which has made it possible to travel between Perth and London in 17 hours.
The historic first direct flight between the continents of Australasia and Europe saw flight QF9 called “Emily” – painted in a striking livery based on the artwork Y am Dreaming by Indigenous artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye – take off from Perth, Western Australia, with 200 passengers and 16 crew at 7pm on March 24.
It arrived at London’s Heathrow airport, after its 14,498km (9,009-mile) journey at 5am on March 25. The return flight, QF10, left London at 2pm the same day, and landed in Perth at 1pm on March 26.
The new flight is operated by Qantas’ newest Dreamliner, a Boeing 787-9 with features to reduce jet lag, turbulence and noise.
It also comes with more space in every class and bigger entertainment screens and more personal storage.
Here are 8 interesting facts about the new service, according to Qantas:
1. The flights QF9 and QF10 are operated by four pilots during the 17-hour journey, with one or two pilots resting at any one time.
