Perth to London non-stop flight: Qantas Dreamliner route to do wonders for WA: Ciobo

As the first non-stop flight from Perth to London takes off, Trade Minister says WA will play second-fiddle to the east no more.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, left, Opposition transport spokesman Anthony Albanese and WA Premier Mark McGowan head to the departure gates.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce says the Australian carrier didn’t realise how much the non-stop Perth to London flight would “grab people’s imagination”.

“What an historic moment for Australia, this is a major step for aviation, the first time Europe and Australia have a direct link,” Mr Joyce said in Perth.

He was speaking ahead of the historic 17-hour flight, which is due to take off at 6.50pm Perth-time tonight, landing at 5.10am London-time.

“When we announced this … a year ago, I don’t think understood how this would grab people’s imagination. And it has.”

Qantas unveils new menu to reduce jet lag on long haul flights

Trade Minister Steven Ciobo said the flight allowed Perth to be a new gateway to the nation.

“For too long for many international visitors, the West Australian jewels have been off limits … its been too hard to get to, often because there’s been such a focus on the east coast. That all changes today.”

WA premier Mark McGowan said it was a great day for jobs in the state.

As well as Mr Ciobo and Mr McGowan, Opposition Transport spokesman Anthony Albanese will be on the plane. There’s also a media contingent, while Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford is also expected to be on board.

Trade Minister Steve Ciobo, far right, opens the Perth Qantas lounge before the first direct flight to Heathrow airport.

Earlier, Mr Joyce said he would stay awake for the duration of the mega-flight.

There will be four pilots on board the Boeing Dreamliner 787-9, including Captain Lisa Norman, who captained the delivery flight of the Qantas Dreamliner last year from Boeing’s Seattle factory.

After takeoff, when the plane is cruising, two pilots will work on the flight deck, while the other two get rest.

“I would like to think that the founding fathers would be proud of Qantas’ continuously curious spirit that drives ongoing innovations and the conquering of new frontiers,” Captian Norman said.

“They set the benchmark almost 100 years ago and we are proud to be continuing that pioneering legacy.”

Annabel Hepworth is travelling to London as a guest of Qantas