Qantas Adds French Chic to Boeing 787 Dreamliner Paris Flights
Qantas is set to launch 787 Dreamliner nonstop services from Australia to Paris, introducing a touch of French elegance to the long-haul journey. When Qantas initially announced nonstop flights from Australia to Europe, skeptics doubted the success of the 18-hour flights. However, these routes have become some of the airline's most popular under the leadership of former CEO Alan Joyce.
Starting July 12, 2024, Qantas will commence direct flights from Perth to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, coinciding with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These flights will be the only direct connection between Perth and Paris, operated by Qantas' fleet of 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These aircraft are configured with 236 seats, including 42 lie-flat seats in business class, 28 in premium economy, and 166 in the main cabin, offering a spacious and comfortable travel experience.
The Dreamliners have been instrumental in the success of Qantas' long-haul services from Perth to Europe. Their comfort, quietness, and superior inflight experience have made them a favorite among passengers. This week, Qantas announced additional enhancements for its Paris flights, including new menus, beverages, and onboard amenity packs for premium passengers.
The new service will provide over 75,000 additional seats between Australia and Europe annually. Business class passengers will enjoy French-inspired menus, limited-edition pajamas, and amenity kits. The nonstop route will reduce travel time by approximately three hours compared to current flights with connections.
Qantas Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer Catriona Larritt highlighted that the new onboard items for the Paris flights will offer a taste of European summer holidays from the moment passengers board the aircraft. The service is expected to be particularly popular during the busy summer months.
Celebrity chef and Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service Neil Perry has curated a French-inspired menu for the new flights. Business class passengers can enjoy a French 75 cocktail, a mix of gin, lemon, and sparkling wine. The menu includes dishes such as Bouillabaisse of snapper and Skull Island prawns, chicken and tarragon pithivier with onion puree, and chocolate mousse with caramel poached pears.
Other menu highlights include:
- Beef fillet with pomme puree, snow peas, and Café de Paris butter.
- Fresh tuna Nicoise salad with olives, green beans, and lemon dressing.
- Coq au vin with pancetta, mushrooms, potato puree, and snow peas.
- Duck and pistachio pâté en croûte with cornichons, radishes, and watercress.
- Rum Savarin with berries and chantilly cream.
Even passengers who do not fly in business class can enjoy French bistro classics like crème caramel or goat's cheese salad with walnut vinaigrette in selected Qantas First and Business lounges throughout Australia.