The route between London and Perth represents one of the longest direct flights in the world. It connects two distant continents, Europe and Australia, offering travelers a unique opportunity to cross vast geographical spaces in a single leap. This article provides detailed information about the airline operating on this route, the duration of the flight, costs, frequency of flights, and the best season to visit Perth.
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First flight London – Perth
In 2018, the Australian company Qantas launched one of the longest flights in the world, 14,498 kilometers and 17 hours to link Perth and London non-stop. A rather short flight when it usually takes about 24 hours to reach Australia from UK.
This first inaugural flight carried more than 200 passengers on board and 16 crew members. Four pilots took turns in the cockpit of the Boeing during this direct flight.
The flight from Perth with more than 100,000 liters of fuel have indeed planned special menus for passengers to maintain their hydration and try to reduce the effects of jet lag.
Current Direct Flight Schedule (Summer 2025)
Several airlines offer direct flights from London to Perth, but the most prominent is Qantas. Qantas, Australia’s flag carrier, was the first to introduce non-stop flights on this route with their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Boeing 787‑9 features:
- Business Suite (1‑2‑1) – 42 seats, 46″ pitch, 80″ flat bed, doors added during 2024 refit.
- Premium Economy (2‑3‑2) – 28 seats, 38″ pitch, self‑serve snack bar.
- Economy (3‑3‑3) – 166 seats, 32″ pitch, adjustable foot‑nets.
All seats have international‑size USB‑C power since the 2023 cabin refresh.
| Flight | From → To | Departs | Arrives (+1) | Block Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QF9 | Perth → London | 18:45 (PER) | 05:05 (LHR) | 17 h 20 m |
| QF10 | London → Perth | 11:55 (LHR) | 11:40 (PER) | 16 h 45 m |
(Times vary ±30 min between northern‑summer and northern‑winter timetables.)
Temporary Reroutes via Singapore
Geopolitical tensions occasionally force the Perth‑London sector to refuel in Singapore (SIN) to avoid Middle‑East airspace. This happened twice in 2024, most recently 8 August 2024. Qantas notifies affected passengers and reissues boarding passes (same flight number, new sector codes QF209/208).
Tip: Check the flight status in the Qantas app 24 h before departure if travelling between April–October when reroutes are most likely.
On‑board Service & Menus
- Meal cadence: Dinner → mid‑flight snacks → breakfast (PER → LHR) / Lunch → supper (LHR → PER).
- Hydration station: Water dispensers in every galley – fill your own bottle.
- Stretch zone: Economy passengers can stand and stretch in the rear galley; cabin crew provide guided exercises every 4 hours.
Upcoming: Project Sunrise A350‑1000ULR
Qantas is working on Project Sunrise, which aims to launch ultra-long-haul direct flights connecting Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to cities such as London, Paris, and New York. These flights would be operated by specially configured Airbus A350-1000s and could start around 2025, according to the latest announcements from the airline.
The eagerly awaited Sydney/Melbourne‑London non‑stops have slipped again: first A350‑1000 delivery late 2026 with inaugural Sunrise flights now early 2027. Until then, the London‑Perth Dreamliner run remains Qantas’ flagship ultra‑long‑haul.
Best Season to Visit Perth
Perth, known for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches, is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is during the Australian spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, and there’s less rainfall compared to the summer season. These seasons also offer the chance to experience local events and outdoor activities in comfortable weather conditions.
Health & Jet‑lag Tips
- Book a window seat eastbound to maximise darkness for sleep.
- Use the stretching videos in the IFE every 2 hours.
- Hydrate: aim for 250 ml water per hour of flight.
- Adjust your watch to destination time at boarding to beat jet‑lag.
Sources : www.theguardian.com / www.qantas.com / www.bbc.com
