After a delay of nearly a decade, the world’s longest flight is to hit the skies in 2026, branded as “a new dawn of travel” and giving flyers the experience of two sunrises in one journey. Originally announced in 2017, the flight route, dubbed Project Sunrise, was set back by the Covid-19 pandemic, and will be operated by the Australian flag carrier Qantas, connecting Sydney to London and New York.
Four hours quicker than non-direct routes
Being on the aircraft for a flight duration of between 19 and 22 hours will mean passengers get to witness two sunrises over the course of their air travels. But despite the length of the journey, the new direct service has the potential to slash flight times by up to four hours compared to the current routes that require one-stop, appealing to passengers who prioritise comfort and speed.
Qantas is anticipating an increase in annual earnings of over AUS $521 million once the service is up and flying. To achieve that, the carrier is said to be splashing out £1.2 billion to get the ultra-long-haul project in the air aboard a dozen bespoke Airbus A350-1000, ordered in 2022. Having beaten Boeing to the challenge, the Airbus has been celebrated by Qantas as the “ultimate long-range aircraft”, and is fitted with additional fuel tanks and cutting-edge technology to cope with the non-stop routes.
Flatbeds and full wardrobes
The cabin accommodation in the plane’s six enclosed first-class suites will provide 50% more room than current models, and feature flatbeds, reclining armchairs and 32-inch touchscreens, as well as a flexible work and dining area and a full-length wardrobe.
There will also be 52 business suites, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 more spacious than usual economy seats on each flight. Headrests will be six-way adjustable, while seats will have a multi-use seatback table, two USB-C outlets each, a 13.3 inch entertainment touchscreen with Bluetooth audio connectivity and an extra shelf for personal devices, such as phones and tablets.
Wellbeing Zone
What’s more, an in-flight “Wellbeing Zone” will open to all passengers, where they can stretch their legs and help themselves to refreshments, as well as follow guided movements on a monitor, with exercises designed to keep passengers active and help them avoid the circulatory risks of long-haul flying, such as the formation of blood clots.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has hailed the convenience the shorter, direct route will offer and the way the service will contribute to bringing remote Australia closer to the rest of the world.
