Qantas has begun operating its non-stop flight between Perth and London, marking the only direct air link between Australia and Europe.

The new flight is operated daily by a Boeing 787-9 and begins in Melbourne.

“This is a truly historic flight that opens up a new era of travel. For the first time, Australia and Europe have a direct air link,” said Alan Joyce, CEO of the Qantas Group. “The original Kangaroo Route from Australia to London was named for the seven stops it made over four days back in 1947. Now we can do it in a single leap.”

Qantas currently has four 787-9s in service and has another four on order.