Qantas to launch record-breaking non‑stop flights by 2026

Currently, the world's longest direct commercial flight is an 18-hour route connecting Singapore with New York. Qantas aims to break this record by offering passengers the opportunity to travel from Australia to the USA without stopovers. Additionally, the airline also mentions a 19-hour flight from Sydney to London.

The flight from Sydney to New York is expected to last up to 22 hours. The Australian airline began the "Sunrise" project concept back in 2017, collaborating with Boeing and Airbus to develop aircraft capable of covering such distances.

Previously, the launch of these flights was anticipated for 2022; however, various obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, caused delays. The expected date for the flights is now 2026.

Vanessa Hudson, who became CEO of Qantas in 2023, emphasises the significance of the project. "This will set the tyranny of distance as a thing of the past. Our fleet of specially designed Airbus A350s [will]overcome the tyranny of distance, with the ability to travel between Australia and almost any city in the world," she said, as quoted by the International Business Times.

The "Sunrise" project is aptly named. By crossing time zones, passengers will witness the rare spectacle of two sunrises during a single plane journey.

The airline is currently working with Airbus on a new version of the aircraft designed for ultra-long-haul flights. Over 40% of the Airbus A350-1000's space will be dedicated to premium class cabins - first and business class. The remaining part of the aircraft will have 140 economy class seats.

First class passengers will have private spaces resembling mini hotel rooms, with reclining seats and workspaces. In economy class, the seats will also be more comfortable than those in standard planes, featuring touch screens, USB-C chargers, and access to the in-flight entertainment zone and snacks.