Australia, Qantas' record-breaking flight to repatriate 107 people

It is said that, in certain cases, the difficulties imposed by the coronavirus pandemic have been some of the opportunities for some companies. If we look at the world of air travel, it is evident that Qantas took this statement literally.

In early October, in fact, Australia's national airline has set two records. First came thanks to the flight that was able to repatriate several of its fellow citizens from Argentina, and precisely because of the complexities and regulations of various countries regarding air travel

Qantas' record-breaking flight

107 Australian citizens were due to return to their country from Argentina in recent days-a very long trip, usually involving stops necessary to change aircraft and pilots, refuel, and maintain the well-being of passengers. Today, however, things are a bit more complicated. Stopovers have become more difficult to arrange because of coronavirus containment laws and border closures in some nations.

Thus, Qantas planned a long single flight from Buenos Aires to Darwin, in northern Australia. The Boeing 787-9, renamed Great Barrier Reef (i.e., "Great Barrier Reef"), departed at 12:44 p.m. Oct. 5 from the Argentine capital. Flying over Antarctica, it landed in the Oceanian city at 6:39 p.m. Oct. 6.

A trip that, thanks to the time difference, took place entirely in daylight, and allowed Qantas to set two company records: that of the longest distance traveled (15,020 kilometers) and that of the Longest stay in the air for a commercial flight (17 hours and 25 minutes). Thus surpassed the record set for the more classic pre-pandemic flight between London and Perth, which covered 14,498 kilometers in 16 hours and 45 minutes.

"Qantas is always up for a challenge, especially when it comes to long-distance travel. - said, once on the ground, Alex Passerini, one of the four pilots in charge of the flight - This flight is an excellent example of the skills and attention to detail of the planning team."

Australia reopens borders

Meanwhile, Australia plans to gradually reopen the own national borders, through a process that will see the starting next November, but which, as announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, will initially only affect Australian citizens.

In fact, the borders were closed in March 2020, with the outbreak of the pandemic, and have not been reopened since. This has kept the infection situation in Australia within acceptable limits. Now that the vaccination campaign is approaching positive numbers (49.5% of the population has received both doses and 68.5% at least one), the government is beginning to think about reopenings.

According to the latest information, entry to foreign tourists will become possible again at starting in 2022, when the Australian government expects to have fully cycle vaccinated at least 80% of the population in the Sydney and Melbourne regions, which will be the first international airports to reopen.