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The first of two Qantas 787 repatriation flights for Australians stranded in Lebanon is now en route to Sydney.
VH-ZNC left Larnaca in Cyprus at 8:19pm on Monday as flight ASY1258 carrying more than 200 people.
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The 17-hour-trip service, paid for by the Flying Kangaroo, came after Australian citizens and permanent residents were first evacuated via separate charter flights from the war-torn country.
It comes after the Israeli military fired rockets into Lebanon last month before moving in troops as part of its action against terrorist group Hezbollah.
Qantas said that in addition to the four pilots and 10 cabin crew on the repatriation flights, a dedicated team will be onboard to support the special assistance flight.
“This includes ground personnel, medical personnel, engineers and a specialised toolkit and parts in case they are required to help dispatch the aircraft in Larnaca,” the airline said.
“As part of our long-standing partnership with Australian Red Cross, Qantas will be supporting their efforts to provide comfort and support to those returning home as well as carrying Australian Red Cross Trauma Teddies to give to all travelling passengers on the two charter flights.
“Australian Red Cross will be on the ground at Sydney Airport on Tuesday to provide psychological first aid and other referral support for those returning home.
“The total distance of the flight is around 15,890 km, slightly exceeding the distance of our Perth-London service, which is the longest on our network.
“The expected flight time is 18 hours and 5 minutes from Sydney to Larnaca, and 17 hours and 20 minutes on the return. The shorter travel time on the return leg is due to prevailing winds.”
A second repatriation flight, ASY1270, is expected to depart Larnaca on Wednesday evening and arrive in Australia on Thursday evening.
Those onboard both flights will also be offered a second service from the NSW capital to their closest airport, free of charge.
The airline earlier said it had called for its pilots and cabin crew to nominate their interest in taking part in the flights, which are expected to be oversubscribed.
Qantas currently has 14 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and is set to acquire another 12 as part of its fleet renewal program.
Australian Aviation reported last year how VH-ZNC (pictured), was damaged on take-off from Rome but soon returned to service.
