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TOUCH DOWN: Qantas' Dreamliner makes Melbourne-San Francisco debut

THEY'RE OFF! Qantas' non-stop Melbourne-San Francisco flights launched over the weekend when the airline's Dreamliner completed its first 14-hour journey to the Golden Gate City.

THEY’RE OFF! Qantas’ non-stop Melbourne-San Francisco flights launched over the weekend when the airline’s Dreamliner completed its first 14-hour journey to the Golden Gate City.

The 787 took off on Melbourne’s first non-stop flight to San Francisco on Saturday night, giving Melburnians access to 98,176 seats per year between the two destinations.

The service will operate four times weekly, leaving Melbourne at 9.40pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The return flight will depart San Francisco at 10pm on the same days.

Melbourne Airport’s Chief Executive, Lyell Strambi, welcomed the new route, saying it will further open the US market to locals and provide them with ongoing connections to popular cities such as New York, Chicago and Seattle.

“We feel fortunate to now be connected to one of the most important cities in the world for new technology start-ups via a direct air link.”

Lyell Strambi, Melbourne Airport Chief Executive

Qantas International’s Chief Executive, Alison Webster, added that the service is a massive win for Melburnians who previously had to stop when travelling to the Golden Gate City.

“This will reduce travel times by at least two hours which means less time in the air and more time to explore or work in San Francisco.”

Alison Webster, Qantas International Chief Executive

FUN FACT: The Melbourne to San Francisco flight number is QF49, which was selected by Qantas in recognition of the number 49 dating back to the California Gold Rush of 1849, including the local San Francisco 49ers American Football team.

 

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