Your questions answered about the Qantas Dreamliner direct flights from Perth to London

QANTAS’ new 17-hour flight linking Perth to London without a stopover could revolutionise the way we travel to Europe, but it may not be for everyone. Here’s what you should know.

THE first Qantas Dreamliner flight from Perth to London takes off on Saturday. Before you book a seat, here’s the essential information you should know.

Q: How long will the Perth to London direct flight take?

A: About 17 hours. According to Qantas Captain Lisa Norman, probably 17 hrs and 15 or 20 minutes

Q: How far will the plane travel?

A: 14,498kms

Q: Is it the longest flight in the world?

A: No, it is the third longest flight in the world but it is the longest Qantas flight and the first time Australia and Europe have been linked by a direct flight.

Q: What sort of aircraft is used for the flight?

A: Boeing 787-Dreamliner

Q: Is there anything special about the Dreamliner which will make it more comfortable to travel so far?

A: Yes, quieter cabin and larger windows provide an improved on-board environment. Cpt Norman says there is also higher humidity and lower altitude in the plane than other aircraft which means passengers should not become so dehydrated. There is also a special in-flight menu designed to increase hydration and reduce jet lag.

Q: How many passengers does the Dreamliner carry?

A: 236

Q: How many pilots will be on board?

A: Four, two captains and two officers

Q: Do all four pilots work at all times during the flight?

A: No. All four will be on the flight deck for takeoff and landing but will then split into teams and work two at a time, with one captain and one officer.

Alan Joyce speaks at the launch of the new Dreamliner in Alice Springs on 2 February 2018. Picture: Emma Murray

Q: Do the pilots who are not working sleep on the plane?

A: Yes, they have a full, flat bed to retire to.

Q: How much sleep will the pilots on the first direct flight between Perth and London get?

A: About seven or eight hours

Q: How many cabin crew members will there be on board the first flight?

A: 12.

Q: What is the cabin pressure (equivalent to the altitude) of the Dreamliner?

A: 6000ft. Most airliners have a cabin pressure of 8000ft

Q: How much fuel will the aircraft use?

A: The 787 uses up to 20 per cent less fuel than other aircraft of its size and is expected to use 92 tonnes or 110,000 litres of fuel on its flight from Perth to London.

Q: What is the wingspan of the Dreamliner?

A: 60 metres

The first pilots for the Qantas Dreamliner’s maiden non-stop flight from Perth to London — Captain Lisa Norman and First Officer David Summergreene will be piloting the flight. Picture: Tim Pascoe

Q: What are the other features of the plane?

A: It is 63 metres long, 17 metres high and has a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 or 900km/h.

Q: How much is loaded on to the plane?

A: There will be more than 21,000 individual items loaded onto the aircraft for each flight between Perth and London including 330 peppermint tea bags and hundreds of chocolate biscuits.

Q: How many Dreamliners does Qantas have?

A: Eight Dreamliners have been ordered and all will be delivered by the end of 2018 allowing for the retirement of five older 747s. One features an indigenous livery featuring the work of the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

Q: Can I use Wi-Fi on board the Dreamliner?

A: No

Q: Am I at risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) on such a long flight?

A: Any long flight carries some risk of passengers and crew developing DVT but moving your limbs frequently and special flight socks (available at chemists and airports among other places) can help reduce this risk. Drinking water and staying hydrated is also important to encourage good blood flow.

Q: How much will economy fares to London from Perth be?

A: Year round return Economy fares for the Perth-London routes start from $2270 but are expected to drop below $2000 during sale periods.

Q: What about other classes?

A: Premium Economy fares will start from $4250 and Business Class from $9725.

Originally published as Your questions answered about the Qantas Dreamliner direct flights from Perth to London