It’s been eight years since Qantas unveiled its vision for the world’s longest flight – now, it’s one step closer to reality as an official launch date has been revealed.
The 22-hour direct journey from Sydney to London will take off in the first half of 2027, following prolonged delays caused by technical challenges and the pandemic.
At 17,015 kilometres, the upcoming flight will take the crown for the longest non-stop passenger route in the world, surpassing the current record held by Singapore Airlines’ 15,300 kilometre direct flight to New York, which spans nearly 19 hours.
Qantas operates the world’s third-longest flight from Perth to London at 17.5 hours, followed closely by their 17-hour Perth to Paris route and the 16-hour Melbourne to Dallas service.
The latest breakthrough has been made possible after the Aussie carrier selected the Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) for the route, having ordered a dozen of the specially-designed aircraft in 2022.
This plane, powered by British Rolls-Royce Trent engines, allows for extra distance as it’s fitted with an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank.
Aptly named Project Sunrise, the service takes off at night, allowing passengers to witness their first sunrise over Asia or the Middle East, before seeing it rise again closer to Europe or North Africa.
On board, there will be 238 passengers in six first-class suites, 52 business suites, 40 premium economy and 140 economy seats.
An official launch date has been announced for the world’s longest non-stop passenger flight, operated by Qantas between Sydney and London
Project Sunrise, as it’s been called, will see the two world’s longest direct commercial flights launch in 2027
In yet another first of its kind, an onboard ‘wellness zone’ will be available to all passengers who can sample premium self-serve healthy refreshments available throughout the flight – designed to provide optimum hydration at high altitude.
A programme of stretches will also be shown on large monitors for passengers to follow, with some possible from the comfort of their seat.
Walls in the wellness zone will also be fitted with handles to aid exercises, essentially forming a yoga studio in the sky, or as a space to simply socialise.
Meanwhile, those in first class can look forward to bespoke amenities such as a plush armchair and bed, sliding doors, a 32-inch HD screen and even a private wardrobe.
With regards to making sleeping on board as comfortable as possible, Qantas worked in partnership with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to seek ways of reducing the effects of jet lag.
These have involved customised lighting reflecting the ‘unique quality of light in the Australian Outback’ and timed meal services designed to match circadian rhythms.
Designer David Caon, who has worked on the project since 2018, said it had been an ‘honour’ to be involved.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, the Australian added: ‘We had a team of six people working on it full time for two years – things like aircraft weight, maintainability, safety and comfort all have to be weighed against the aesthetic decisions we make.’
The aircraft will have 238 passengers in six first-class suites, 52 business suites, 40 premium economy and 140 economy seats
On board, passengers will be treated to an in-air space for stretching, hydration points and plush seating and a private wardrobe in first class
Pictured: First look at seating in business class
On April 12, the first of 12 Airbus A350-1000s for Qantas’ Project Sunrise appeared in France for a 22-hour test flight programme spanning two months.
As part of Project Sunrise, Qantas is also planning to launch 18-hour, direct flights between Sydney and New York.
This route is also expected to take off in 2027 using Airbus A350s, according to Time Out Australia.
While these new long-haul services are on the horizon, it is not yet confirmed which route will take off first.