Passengers will soon be able to fly directly from London to Sydney on what will become the world's longest commercial flight, a marathon 22-hour journey that promises to show travellers two sunrises from the sky.
The Dawn of Project Sunrise
Australian airline Qantas is spearheading this aviation milestone with its ambitious Project Sunrise, named for the unique experience of witnessing two dawns during the epic non-stop trip. The service is set to fully launch in 2027, with critical test flights for the specially modified aircraft scheduled to begin in 2026.
This route will dramatically cut total travel time. Currently, a trip from London to Australia involves at least one stopover and can take close to 30 hours. The new direct flight will shave up to four hours off the total journey, fundamentally altering the travel experience between the UK and Australia.
Engineering and Cabin Design for Endurance
The flight will be operated by an Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft, uniquely adapted for the task. A key modification is the addition of an extra 20,000-litre fuel tank, providing the immense range required to cross vast distances without refuelling.
Recognising that 22 hours is a significant time to spend in a cabin, Qantas has completely rethought the onboard environment in collaboration with sleep and health experts. The design focuses on passenger wellbeing with several innovative features:
- The plane will carry only 238 passengers, significantly fewer than the standard 300+ configuration, creating more space.
- A dedicated wellness zone will be available for stretching and movement.
- Lighting, meal timing, and inflight routines have been scientifically developed to help reduce fatigue and combat jet lag.
Overcoming the 'Tyranny of Distance'
In a November update, Qantas confirmed strong progress, with the wings, tail section, and landing gear now attached to the first new plane. Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson stated that Project Sunrise will conquer the 'tyranny of distance'.
'These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science-backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing,' Hudson said.
The project will claim the title of world's longest passenger flight from the current record-holder, Singapore Airlines' 19-hour service between New York and Singapore. The first of 12 new A350 aircraft on order is due for delivery in late 2026, with commercial services on the London-Sydney route commencing in the first half of 2027.
