Qantas Airways has inaugurated direct flights between Perth and Paris, marking the airline’s return to the French capital after a two-decade hiatus. The new route, which launched on July 14, 2024, is set to reduce travel time between the two cities by approximately three hours.
The service, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, will initially run four times per week during the European summer and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Starting mid-August, the frequency will decrease to three flights per week. This addition to Qantas’ network is expected to provide 75,000 additional seats annually between Australia and Europe.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the growing demand for non-stop long-haul flights. “In recent years we have seen a significant increase in customers wanting to fly direct on long-haul routes and avoiding stopovers wherever possible,” Hudson said. “Our direct flights from Perth to London and Rome have some of the highest customer satisfaction on our international network.”
The Perth-Paris route, spanning 14,264 kilometers, is now the longest non-stop flight to France from any global destination. It also reinforces Perth’s position as a gateway for European travel from Australia, with connections available from major Australian cities.
Western Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti emphasized the importance of direct flights in the state’s tourism strategy. “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,” Saffioti stated.
To commemorate the route launch, Qantas has introduced special in-flight offerings, including limited-edition designer pajamas and French-inspired menu items in Business class.
The new service is part of Qantas’ broader expansion plans, which include a recent agreement with Perth Airport aimed at enhancing the airline’s western hub. Combined with the Group’s fleet renewal program, this is expected to add 4.4 million additional seats to and from Perth by 2031.
Flight QF33 will operate from Perth to Paris, with the return leg designated as QF34. The total flight time is approximately 17 hours and 20 minutes.
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