If you’re still in a state of denial over our direct flights to Europe, then here’s a massive reality check: they ARE coming VERY soon because one of the planes capable of making the ultra long-haul journey is in AUS!
Finally!
See, there she is in the pic below flying over Sydney this morning.
Image: James Morgan
Qantas’ 787-9 completed the most publicised aircraft delivery since the Airbus A380 when it touched down in Sydney this morning.
Some 90 media and Qantas employees were on board the aircraft called Great Southern Land, as she made her grand arrival home from the United States including KarryOn’s Founder Matt Leedham. Lucky bugger.
Image: James Morgan
The crew arrive home…
Despite the Sydney rain, the plane’s arrival brought sunshine to some 1,500 Qantas employees who watched on as Great Southern Land rolled into the gateway’s hangar.
Adding to the celebration, Australian band ICEHOUSE performed their anthem 1982 song Great Southern Land, the inspiration for which came to singer and songwriter, Iva Davies, as his Qantas flight crossed the country’s red centre.
ICEHOUSE perform ‘Great Southern Land’ live. Pic: Matt Leedham
Image: James Morgan
Qantas Group’s Chief Executive, Alan Joyce, said although the airline has taken delivery of hundreds of aircraft over the years, only a few “have been game-changers like this one”.
“In the 1940s the Lockheed Constellation meant we could fly around the world, and in the 1960s the Boeing 707 took us into the jet age and cut flying time in half,” he said.
Image: Victor Pody
“The Boeing 747 changed the economics of travel for millions of people and the sheer size of the Airbus A380 meant we could reimagine what inflight service was like.”
“Our version of the Dreamliner follows in those footsteps. It gives us a combination of flying range and passenger comfort that will change how people travel.”
Alan Joyce, Qantas Chief Executive
Image: Victor Pody
Julie Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs) & Alan Joyce (Qantas CEO). Pic: Matt Leedham
After flying on the inaugural flight from the Boeing factory in Seattle, KarryOn Founder, Matt Leedham was full of praise for Qantas’ first Dreamliner and the new opportunities it presents.
“The investment and meticulous attention to detail that Qantas have put into the designing the 787/9 cabin is what makes it such a stand out product. Each class has unique features that agents and passengers are going to love and truly appreciate as part of enhancing their overall flying experience.”
Some very happy Qantas staff. Pic: Matt Leedham
The first Dreamliner, registered as VH-ZNA, will fly a number of domestic passenger services around Australia to assist with crew familiarisation before its first international service from Melbourne to Los Angeles on 15 December this year.
The second Qantas Dreamliner is currently on the production line at Boeing’s Seattle factory and will be delivered by early December. Two more Dreamliners will be delivered by March next year to coincide with the start of Perth-London services; all eight will have arrived by the end of 2018.
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