A Qantas Dreamliner. Photo / Supplied
Alex Robertson flies on QF9, the first non-stop flight from Perth to London.
Plane: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. One of the most advanced passenger planes in operation. They're more efficient and easier on passengers. This one has only 236 seats compared to the usual more than 300, so plenty of room.
Class: Business Class
Flight time: A scheduled 17 hours 20 minutes makes this the third longest trip around.
We left at 6.59pm from Perth and arrived 17 hours and 5 minutes later in London.
Seat: 10K. There are 42 Business Class seats on these planes. It's a long way and it's better to have a few luxuries.
Price: Return fares start at $6768 for Business Class.
Passengers: This is the launch flight for Qantas' brand-new service linking Australia and Europe. I'm surrounded by media representatives. Up from Sydney are the Qantas hierarchy and a few Australian politicians. Back in Economy are a few enthusiasts who are relishing this historic occasion. There's about half a dozen Australian TV crews here filming throughout the flight.
How full: 230 seats are taken and the flight is full.
Entertainment: Excellent, with the latest-release films, TV box sets, HBO series, comedy, kids' stuff, music and games. There's even a James Bond selection for us dinosaurs.
Service: I waive away the standard glass of Champagne on the tarmac in favour of the water. This is a long flight and I need to stay on top of my game. No fuss, friendly and attentive service epitomises Qantas. Water runs freely whenever you need it and the menu, designed by celebrity Australian chef Neil Perry, is outstanding and is designed to make you feel in perfect health on your arrival.
Toilets: I am surprised that, despite this being an ultra-modern plane, the toilets look just the same as every other aircraft: small, functional and generally clean. The queues in the last two hours of the flight meant I had to change from my Qantas pyjamas into my civvies under my blanket!
Airport experience: The brand new Perth lounge is state of the art, employing cutting-edge science to alleviate the stresses of ultra-long-haul flying. I tried the light therapy, but didn't really feel any benefit. The stretching class in the wellbeing studio is a must and really makes you feel ready to take on anything. The food is healthy and fresh and the outdoor terrace is fantastic. It's worth taking the flight for this experience alone.
Final word: For the very first time, Australia is linked directly to the UK: the Roo takes a giant leap!
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