- Inaugural direct Qantas flight prepares to depart Perth for London
- New nonstop Dreamliner service is the fastest way to get to Australia from Europe
- State Government invested $14 million to upgrade the terminal and secure the flight
- Will increase visitation from the UK and east coast, grow the tourism industry and help create more WA jobs
Premier Mark McGowan and Tourism Minister Paul Papalia today boarded the inaugural nonstop Qantas Dreamliner flight departing Perth for Heathrow Airport in London.
The history-making QF9, carrying more than 200 passengers and 16 crew, departed from Perth Airport just before 7pm this evening, and will land in London at 5am tomorrow, before returning to Perth - arriving on Monday (March 26).
The daily QF9 begins in Melbourne, flying to Perth before flying nonstop to London and returning as QF10.
Instead of travelling to Europe through Asia or the Middle East, people departing from the east coast will be encouraged to enjoy a holiday in Perth and WA before they fly direct to London.
All inbound and outbound passengers will be encouraged to explore the State as part of their journey to or from London.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"It's a historic day for Perth, which is now officially the western gateway to Australia from Europe - and we will do everything we can to make the most of this opportunity to help boost our local tourism industry and create local jobs.
"State Government investment of around $20 million has helped the dream become a reality, with $14 million spent at Perth Airport to accommodate international flights at the Qantas terminal, and around $5.7 million invested in marketing Perth and Western Australia in London."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"Bookings to date show around 15 per cent of passengers travelling in each direction on the new service are stopping in WA for three days or more, with seven per cent staying in WA for longer than two weeks.
"That's great news for the WA tourism industry and local economies, as visitors travel around our extraordinary State at the start of their Australian adventure or people from the east coast start or end their European trip here."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5600
