Australia’s leading airline Qantas (ASX: QAN) last night launched direct flights from Perth to Paris just two weeks ahead of the Olympics in the City of Light, marking its third direct service to Europe after London and Rome.
The new direct flights between Perth and Paris marks the return of the Flying Kangaroo operating services to the French capital for the first time in 20 years.
The route will cut around three hours off the current fastest travel time between the two cities, and is the longest non-stop flight to France from anywhere in the world.
Flights will initially operate four times per week over the busy European summer and Olympic and Paralympics, before moving to three services per week from mid-August.
The new route will add an additional 75,000 seats between Australia and Europe each year.
“There is a lot of excitement amongst our customers and crew that Qantas is returning to Paris and that it’s a non-stop flight between Perth and Paris,” says Qantas group CEO Vanessa Hudson.
“In recent years we have seen a significant increase in customers wanting to fly direct on long haul routes and avoiding stop overs wherever possible. Our direct flights from Perth to London and Rome have some of the highest customer satisfaction on our international network.
“With these new flights, our customers can depart Perth in the evening and arrive in Paris in time to enjoy brunch overlooking the Eiffel Tower.”
The route launch follows the recent announcement of a landmark agreement between Qantas and Perth Airport that will help unlock the airline’s western hub, which along with group’s fleet renewal program will see the Group add 4.4 million additional seats to and from Perth by 203https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/1.
Western Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti says direct flights form a major part of the WA Government’s overarching tourism strategy.
“We’re really excited to have this flight between Perth and Paris take off, as one of 20 international destinations we now have direct links with,” Saffioti says.
“We know that people are more likely to travel to places they’re able to easily access, so this is another big win for tourism in Western Australia.
“With seamless connections from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other major cities, Perth will be the gateway to Paris for Australia. For French tourists coming to explore the natural wonders around of Australia, Qantas has connections to more than 60 destinations across the country.”