- 2024 season announcement comes as 2023 season kicks off with first flight last night
- Third season cements Perth's position as western gateway to continental Europe
- Inaugural 2022 season was supported by WA Government through Tourism WA
The hugely popular Perth to Rome direct flight resumed last night for its 2023 season and has been confirmed to operate again in 2024 for the third season in a row.
As the only direct flight between Australia and continental Europe, the route runs three days a week with Qantas' Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft until 3 October 2023, with more than 22,000 seats for passengers over a four-month period.
Flights for the 2024 season will go on sale in early July 2023.
The success of the route has boosted WA's presence and connection with Italy. In 2022, Italy was ranked as Western Australia's 11th biggest international market for visitors, up from its 23rd biggest in 2019.
The inaugural 2022 season was supported by the State Government through Tourism WA, as part of its Aviation Recovery Fund within the $195 million Reconnect WA package.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"The return of the service in 2023, and the announcement of the 2024 service by Qantas, cements Western Australia as the country's gateway to continental Europe and as the best State in the nation, which is something we can be proud of achieving together.
"I want to acknowledge Qantas' confidence in WA as I hope this route continues beyond 2024 so people can benefit from the convenience of having a direct connection between Perth and Rome every year, be it for leisure travel, business or study — supporting key economic and cultural benefits for our State.
"From keen travellers to Western Australians with strong family ties to Italy, all will welcome being able to step off at Perth Airport then set foot in the eternal city.
"My thanks goes to everyone who made the 2022 season a success, which has resulted in the continuation of the service for its third year in a row."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The launch of the first Rome to Perth direct flight last year was a momentous occasion for our tourism industry, and to have Qantas commit to a third season in 2024 is a massive win for Western Australia.
"As we bounce back from COVID-19, our Government has been focussed on growing the number of international connections to Western Australia, with 13 currently operating from destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and New Zealand.
"Later this year we will see the number of international connections grow again, with the return of a direct Tokyo-Perth service."
