{"id":146748,"date":"2026-06-19T09:09:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T03:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=146748"},"modified":"2026-06-19T02:24:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T20:54:02","slug":"qantas-confirms-22-hour-longest-flight-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/19\/qantas-confirms-22-hour-longest-flight-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Qantas Confirms 22-Hour Longest Flight in the World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CANBERRA-<\/strong> Qantas (QF)<\/a> has confirmed plans to launch the world\u2019s first non-stop commercial flights between Sydney (SYD) and London (LHR), marking a major milestone in long-haul aviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline announced that the historic service will begin in October 2027 as part of its long-awaited Project Sunrise program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The announcement coincided with the unveiling of Qantas\u2019 first Airbus A350-1000ULR <\/a>aircraft at Airbus\u2019 production facility in Toulouse, France. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed specifically for ultra-long-haul operations, the aircraft will allow passengers to travel directly between Australia\u2019s east coast and the United Kingdom without a stopover for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Qantas
Photo: Airbus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Qantas’ Sydney-London Flights Launch Details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The new service will transform one of the world\u2019s most iconic air routes. Since Qantas first launched the Kangaroo Route in 1947, flights between Australia and the United Kingdom have progressively reduced the number of stops required during the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inaugural Sydney-London service operated with seven intermediate stops and took four days to complete. Over the decades, advances in aircraft technology steadily shortened travel times, and Project Sunrise now removes the final stop altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Qantas, the new flights will reduce total travel time by up to four hours compared with the current one-stop services. The airline plans to operate the route alongside its existing Perth (PER)-London and Sydney-Singapore-London services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets for the first Project Sunrise flights are expected to go on sale in February 2027. Daily operations are scheduled to begin later that year, following final regulatory approvals and aircraft certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Qantas
Photo: Airbus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Airbus A350ULR Features And Capabilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Airbus developed the A350-1000ULR specifically to meet Qantas\u2019 ultra-long-haul requirements. The aircraft includes an additional 20,000-liter fuel tank, enabling flights exceeding 16,000 kilometers and lasting up to 22 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qantas has ordered 12 aircraft for Project Sunrise. Each jet will feature a four-class configuration with 238 seats, significantly fewer than traditional long-haul aircraft of similar size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline says the cabin design focuses heavily on passenger well-being during extended flights. Engineers and designers incorporated scientific research into reducing jet lag, improving comfort, and supporting passenger health throughout the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A second A350-1000ULR is currently progressing through its testing and certification program after completing its maiden flight earlier this month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Qantas
Photo: Airbus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Project Sunrise Expansion Network Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson described the launch as one of the most significant developments in the airline\u2019s 105-year history. She said the project fulfills a commitment first made in 2017 to connect Australia\u2019s east coast directly with London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline is also preparing crews for the aircraft\u2019s arrival. Pilot training has already begun on Australia\u2019s first A350 simulator in Sydney, while additional training programs are underway in partnership with airlines in the United Kingdom and Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew members will eventually be trained to operate the Project Sunrise fleet. Engineering teams have also commenced technical training ahead of aircraft deliveries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond London, Qantas has confirmed Sydney-New York as the next Project Sunrise route. The airline expects to announce launch timelines for additional ultra-long-haul destinations next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new Sydney-London service represents a significant step forward for global aviation, establishing a new benchmark for non-stop commercial travel while strengthening air connectivity between Australia and the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Qantas Sets Sights on 20 New Widebody Jets for Future Growth<\/a><\/blockquote>