- by foxnews
- 01 Jun 2025
Qantas Airways is poised to revolutionize long-haul air travel by introducing the world’s longest nonstop commercial flight, connecting Sydney directly to London. Scheduled to launch by 2027, this remarkable journey will span approximately seventeen thousand eight hundred kilometers and last around twenty hours, setting a new benchmark in aviation endurance and passenger experience. The ambitious initiative, known as Project Sunrise, aims not only to break distance records but also to transform the way passengers experience ultra-long-haul flights.
To support these extraordinary flights, Qantas will deploy a fleet of twelve brand-new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Unlike standard configurations, these planes will feature a reduced seating capacity of two hundred and thirty-eight passengers, down from the usual three hundred. This reduction allows for increased legroom, greater personal space, and the inclusion of innovative wellness zones designed to enhance passenger wellbeing during extended time in the air.
The wellness zones, accessible to all passengers regardless of class, will include stretch handles strategically placed to encourage movement, on-screen guided exercise programs, hydration stations to promote fluid intake, and a selection of nutritious snacks and premium refreshments. These features are part of a comprehensive approach to mitigate the physical challenges associated with ultra-long-haul travel, such as stiffness, dehydration, and fatigue.
Cabin arrangements will emphasize luxury and comfort, with over forty percent of seats dedicated to premium classes including first class, business, and premium economy. The first-class cabins will offer expansive personal space with amenities that include large thirty-two inch entertainment screens, fully reclining chairs, and the ability to adjust mood lighting and humidity levels via tablet controls. Additionally, passengers will benefit from full-length wardrobes and fifty percent more space than comparable seats on the Airbus A380.
Business class travelers can expect privacy walls to create a more intimate environment, while premium economy and economy cabins will feature generous legroom to reduce discomfort on long flights. Across all cabins, passengers will have access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless work and entertainment options throughout the journey.
Flying nonstop for around twenty hours presents significant physiological challenges, notably the risk of severe jet lag. To tackle this, Qantas is collaborating with experts from the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney to develop innovative strategies aimed at reducing the impact of jet lag and improving passenger recovery.
According to industry reports, Qantas expects to receive the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft in the latter half of 2026. Once acquired, the planes will undergo modifications to increase fuel capacity, essential for sustaining the ultra-long flight distances. The airline will then complete rigorous testing and obtain necessary regulatory approvals to ensure safety and compliance with international aviation standards.
Provided all goes according to plan, these groundbreaking direct flights from Sydney to London and New York are anticipated to launch by the first half of 2027. The success of Project Sunrise will not only mark a significant milestone in aviation history but also revolutionize international travel by eliminating stopovers, reducing total travel time, and delivering unmatched passenger comfort on some of the longest flights ever operated.
As travelers prepare to experience two sunrises in a single flight, Qantas is setting a new standard for the future of ultra-long-haul journeys, combining endurance, luxury, and wellness to reshape global air travel forever.
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