Qantas has inaugurated new flights this evening, linking Australia and France directly for the first time. The new direct route between Perth and Paris marks the return of the Flying Kangaroo to the City of Light after a 20-year hiatus.
This route will reduce the current fastest travel time between the two cities by approximately three hours and stands as the longest non-stop flight to France from anywhere in the world.
Initially, flights will operate four times per week during the busy European summer and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, before scaling back to three services per week from mid-August. The new route is expected to add an additional 75,000 seats between Australia and Europe annually.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the excitement surrounding the return to Paris, emphasizing the benefits of the non-stop flight between Perth and Paris. Hudson noted the increasing customer preference for direct long-haul routes, citing high satisfaction rates for the airline’s direct flights from Perth to London and Rome.
“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,” said Hudson.
Western Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti expressed enthusiasm for the new route, emphasizing its role in the WA Government’s tourism strategy. Saffioti pointed out the convenience of direct flights in encouraging travel and highlighted Perth as a gateway to Paris for Australian travelers. She also noted the seamless connections Qantas offers from major Australian cities to Perth, facilitating easier access for French tourists to explore Australia’s natural wonders.
The new service will be operated by Qantas’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, designed for long-haul travel with features such as large windows, high cabin humidity, and relaxing mood lighting to ensure passengers feel refreshed upon arrival.
To celebrate the launch, Qantas has introduced several customer initiatives, including limited edition Martin Grant-designed pyjamas and matching amenity kits. Business cabin passengers will enjoy Neil Perry-curated menus featuring classic French dishes like Bouillabaisse of snapper and Skull Island prawns, as well as a French 75 cocktail. Additionally, a special selection of movies celebrating French cinema, including popular films set in Paris such as Amélie and Midnight in Paris, will be available on the international inflight system throughout July.
This new route launch follows a landmark agreement between Qantas and Perth Airport, which aims to enhance the airline’s western hub and is part of the Group’s fleet renewal program. This agreement will see Qantas add 4.4 million additional seats to and from Perth by 2031.
