World’s longest direct flight that takes 22 hours is almost ready for launch

The world’s longest direct flight is one step closer to taking off.

The route is expected to launch in 2027, complete with game-changing features that will revolutionise long-haul travel.

And now, as Qantas prepares for test flights, the airline has confirmed that everything is going to plan.

With the first plane reportedly at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, Qantas said: ‘All major structural components [are] now fitted including the fuselage, wings, tail, landing gear and engines.’
‘From next year, these aircraft will carry our customers non-stop from Sydney to London and New York for the first time ever – reducing flying time by up to four hours.’
So, alongside flying across the world in record time, what else can we expect?

Project Sunrise explained

The airline then ordered 12 Airbus A350-1000ULR in May 2022.

The aircraft are designed around endurance rather than volume.

Passengers will fly in comfort, choosing between Premium Economy and Economy seats, and ultra-luxurious Business Class and First Class suites.

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In addition, travellers have access to a Wellbeing Zone.

Available to all passengers, Qantas describe it as a ‘dedicated space for movement with guided wellbeing content and a selection of healthy refreshments.’
And while the direct flight shaves a decent chunk off the journey, nothing can stop jet lag.

Currently, London to Sydney routes, which include at least one stopover in Singapore, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi, take up to 27 hours.

Plus, Sydney is 10 hours ahead of UK time, operating on Australian Eastern Standard Time.

That being said, Qantas’s project does aim to reduce jet lag with 12 lighting scenes, including ‘sunrise’ and ‘sunset’.

Each scene will automatically play at specific times to help passengers sync their circadian rhythm with their destination’s time zone.

When will Project Sunrise launch, and how much will it cost?

Last year, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson predicted that Project Sunrise fares would be around 20% higher than existing flights between London and Sydney, which refuel along the way.

For context, British Airways economy flights from London Heathrow –which include a one-hour 40-minute layover in Singapore – range between £721 and £1,278.

Will there be other Project Sunrise routes?

However, as mentioned, it’s not the Airbus A350’s only route.

Qantas will also be flying between the East Coast of Australia and New York’s John F.

Kennedy Airport.

The direct flight is also expected to take 22 hours.

The world's longest direct flight, as it stands

Currently, the longest direct route in existence is the Singapore Airlines 18.5-hour flight from Singapore to New York.

The journey covers approximately 9,537 miles (a little less than Project Sunrise’s 10,573-mile trip), with economy fares costing around £686.