Wednesday, July 17, 2024
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Qantas has reentered the French market after a 20-year hiatus, expanding its European network to three destinations. The new nonstop service connecting Perth Airport (PER) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) will initially operate four times per week during the Paris Olympic Games, then transition to three flights per week from mid-August. The route will use 236-seat Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The price from Perth to Paris is AUD 1,911.26
“In recent years we have seen a significant increase in customers wanting to fly direct on long-haul routes and avoiding stopovers wherever possible,” said Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson. “Our direct flights from Perth to London and Rome have some of the highest customer satisfaction on our international network.”
With a 17-hour 20-minute flight time, the PER-CDG service spans 8,864 miles, making it the third-longest route in Qantas’ network, after Perth to London Heathrow (LHR) and Melbourne to Dallas-Fort Worth. Perth also becomes the farthest destination served nonstop from Paris, surpassing Air France’s 7,247-mile route from CDG to Santiago, Chile.
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Qantas last flew to Paris between October 2002 and October 2004, operating a one-stop route between PER and CDG via Singapore Changi Airport. However, France has remained absent from the Oneworld alliance member’s network since then.
The launch of the Paris route comes a month after Qantas gained clearance from European regulators for a third center fuel tank in the Airbus A350-1000s that will operate the airline’s ultra-long-range Project Sunrise flights. Project Sunrise aims to operate record-breaking flights, starting with routes from Sydney to London and New York, beginning in mid-2026.
Additionally, in late May, Qantas and PER reached a multi-billion-dollar agreement for a new terminal and runway, positioning the Western Australia airport to become the airline’s second-largest international gateway after Sydney. Under the 12-year deal, PER will invest around A$3 billion ($2 billion) in new terminal facilities and a parallel runway as part of a wider A$5 billion investment program that also includes parking lots, transport infrastructure, and a hotel. The move ended a long-running dispute between Qantas and the airport over fees and capital costs that ended up in the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
On July 12, PER reported its highest-ever annual passenger numbers in the year to June 30, breaking the 16-million mark for the first time. This outstripped the previous record figure of 14.9 million in fiscal 2013-14. “We have added more than 10 million passengers since [fiscal 2021] and in doing so have easily broken a record that has stood for a decade,” PER CEO Jason Waters says.
With the launch of PER-CDG, there are now three nonstop routes operating between Australia and Europe, with Qantas also flying daily from PER to LHR and three times per week from PER to Rome Fiumicino Airport.
This 236-seat Boeing 787-9 aircraft Changing Game in Aviation Industry
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a state-of-the-art aircraft designed to revolutionize long-haul air travel with its advanced technology, exceptional fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort. As an extended version of the original 787-8, the 787-9 offers improved performance, greater range, and increased passenger capacity, making it a popular choice for airlines worldwide.
One of the standout features of the Boeing 787-9 is its impressive range. Capable of flying up to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kilometers), this aircraft can connect distant city pairs nonstop, reducing travel time and eliminating the need for layovers. This capability is particularly beneficial for airlines operating on routes such as Perth to Paris, which spans 8,864 miles and requires a robust aircraft capable of enduring long hours in the air.
The 787-9’s fuel efficiency is another significant advantage. The aircraft is equipped with advanced aerodynamics, lightweight composite materials, and innovative engine technology, which together reduce fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to previous-generation aircraft. This efficiency translates to lower operating costs for airlines and reduced carbon emissions, making the 787-9 an environmentally friendly choice.
Passenger comfort is a priority in the design of the 787-9. The aircraft features larger windows, improved cabin pressure, and higher humidity levels, all of which contribute to a more pleasant flying experience. The spacious, quiet cabin is equipped with modern amenities, including advanced entertainment systems, comfortable seating, and ample overhead storage. These enhancements ensure that passengers arrive at their destination feeling more refreshed and less fatigued, even after long-haul flights.
Airlines such as Qantas have incorporated the 787-9 into their fleets to enhance their long-haul offerings. The aircraft’s capacity to seat approximately 236 passengers in a typical three-class configuration allows for a balanced mix of economy, premium economy, and business class seats. This versatility enables airlines to cater to a wide range of passenger needs and preferences, ensuring a premium travel experience for all.
In addition to its technical and operational advantages, the 787-9 has received high marks for its reliability and performance. Its advanced systems and components are designed to minimize maintenance requirements and maximize operational efficiency, ensuring that airlines can maintain consistent and dependable service.
Overall, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner represents a significant leap forward in aviation technology, combining exceptional range, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. It continues to shape the future of long-haul air travel, offering airlines and passengers alike a superior flying experience.
Google Flight Easing Passengers to Book Flight
Google Flights is an online flight booking search service, part of Google Travel, designed to help travelers find the best flights based on their preferences and budgets. Launched in 2011, Google Flights leverages the power of Google’s vast data resources and user-friendly interface to provide a seamless and efficient flight search experience.
Users can search for flights by entering their departure and destination cities, travel dates, and other preferences such as number of stops, airlines, and cabin class. Google Flights then quickly displays a list of available flights, sorted by price, duration, and other factors. One of its standout features is the ability to compare prices across different airlines and booking platforms, ensuring that users get the best deal.
Additionally, Google Flights offers a range of tools to enhance the booking process. Price tracking alerts notify users when fares change for their chosen routes, while the “Explore” map feature helps users discover new destinations within their budget. The service also provides detailed information about baggage fees, flight amenities, and layover times, allowing travelers to make informed decisions.
With its comprehensive search capabilities, user-friendly design, and innovative features, Google Flights has become a go-to resource for travelers looking to find and book flights efficiently and economically.