British Airways has returned to the kangaroo route with the first flight between London and Sydney in two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The daily service by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from Heathrow via Singapore was heralded as a “momentous milestone” by the carrier.
It is the airline’s longest route at 10,020 nautical miles in total.
Asia Pacific head of sales Noella Ferns said: “British Airways has always had a strong link to Australia. For both business and leisure travellers, London is the major gateway for Europe and one of the most popular destinations for our customers down under.
“Today we are thrilled to fly to Australia once again and play our part in reuniting families and friends with their loved ones, including two of our cabin crew members, Ross and Mark who are operating on this very special flight and reunited with their families in Sydney after two years apart.”
Sydney airport chief executive Geoff Culbert added: “It’s terrific to welcome British Airways back to Sydney airport as it resumes one of the most iconic routes in international aviation.
“The cultural, business and family connections between Australia and the UK run deep, and it will be great to see the Union flag tail on the BA aircraft back.
“Since the opening of our international border in February a number of international airlines have returned to Sydney and capacity is increasing – a welcome sight as we gradually climb out of the pandemic and put two years of pain behind us.”