Qantas to fly non-stop to London

Qantas has confirmed it will launch a landmark first ever direct flight linking Australia with London.

The carrier said it will start non-stop flights from Perth to London using the 787-9 Dreamliner from March 2018.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce says it marks a historic turning point in air travel.

"This is a game-changing route flown by a game-changing aircraft. Australians have never had a direct link to Europe before, so the opportunities this opens up are huge. It’s great news for travellers because it will make it easier to get to London," he said.

"It’s great news also for Western Australia because it will bring jobs and tourism and it’s great news for the nation, because it will bring us closer to one of our biggest trade partners and sources of visitors."

The 14,498 kilometre service will take 17 hours.

Qantas will add improved air quality, lower cabin noise and technology to reduce turbulence in the cabin for the record breaking route.

"We’re redesigning our on-board service to help reduce jetlag," Joyce added.

Perth Airport said it will work with Qantas to ensure Terminal 3 is upgraded ahead of the launch of services.

The direct flight is a great opportunity for Perth Airport to develop into a western hub and gateway to London and Europe, it said.