Qantas to launch the world's longest air routes

Australia’s Qantas will enter the growing field of the ultra-long range operators when it takes delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 late next year.

At the IATA AGM in Dublin the airline’s CEO Alan Joyce told AirlineRatings.com that airline is looking at “London-Perth, Sydney-Chicago and Melbourne-Dallas” as the initial routes for the 787.

The airline will shortly enter into discussions with the relevant state governments and airport on support packages for its planned ultra-long-range flights.

Both Sydney and Melbourne airports and their respective state governments have proved aggressive competitors in seeking new airlines and new routes to bolster tourism and business. 

Qantas is also looking to make Perth a hub for non-stop operations to London drawing traffic from Adelaide and possibly Melbourne with a tight turnaround in Perth.

The Qantas 787-9 will have three cabins – business, premium economy and economy.

It is likely that the business class will be modelled on the airline's very successful business class suites on its A330s.

Mr Gareth Evans chief executive of Qantas International said that the 787 would be “very much a premium aircraft” for the long routes.

However economy class would have extra legroom.

Qantas' order is for 8  Boeing 787-9s, with 45 options and purchase rights.

The first four will be delivered in FY18 and the balance in the following year.

Mr Joyce also told AirlineRatings.com that the airline was looking at the 777X series as well as long range variants of the A350-900.