Mirror Review
May 5th, 2025
Qantas is set to push the boundaries of aviation with its ambitious Qantas ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise, introducing non-stop flights connecting Sydney with major global cities like New York and London.
These marathon journeys are expected to take around 20 hours and cover approximately 10,000 miles (16,000km). Thus, becoming some of the world’s longest flight time routes.
Moreover, as confirmed by Qantas Group CEO Vanessa, the airline plans to commence these services in early 2027. This follows the expected delivery of the first of 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft towards the end of 2026.
The introduction of these A350 flights has seen some adjustments to the timeline. This is partly due to required modifications to the aircraft’s fuel tank by Airbus as requested by European regulators.
The Airbus A350s designed for Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flights will feature a significantly reduced seating capacity of 238 passengers, offering a more spacious and comfortable experience compared to standard configurations.
The cabins carefully designed across multiple classes include:
- Luxurious first-class suites (6 suites)
- Flat-lie business class (52 seats)
- Premium economy class (40 seats)
- Economy cabin (140 seats)
- A unique “wellness zone” accessible to all passengers.
Qantas themselves are excited about this project, calling the 20-hour flight “the final frontier of aviation.” They’ve highlighted the wellness zone as “a dedicated space to optimize wellbeing throughout the flight” and the economy cabin as “a cabin crafted with your utmost comfort in mind.”
How Qantas Plans To Tackle the World’s Longest Flights
The prospect of Qantas’s ultra-long-haul flights brings incredible convenience with it. Here are a few insights on what these 20-hour journeys will entail and how Qantas is approaching the challenge:
- State-of-the-Art Manufacturing:
The Project Sunrise was initially aimed for a 2025 launch. But it was primarily delayed due to hold-ups in the manufacturing of both the state-of-the-art aircraft and the specialized interiors designed for such lengthy flights. The required fuel tank redesign by Airbus also played a role in shifting the timeline.
- Three Aircraft for Consistent Daily Service:
Don’t expect those super-long flights right when the first new plane arrives in late 2026. Qantas needs more than just one A350 to run daily trips to places like London and New York. They’ll need at least three in their fleet to be able to offer a consistent daily service. Since the third A350 isn’t expected until around Spring 2027, that’s when you can really expect a realistic start date for daily non-stop flights
- Sydney to Auckland Short Route:
Here’s a surprise: the very first of these special long-haul planes will probably fly a short trip first, just three hours to Auckland, New Zealand. It might seem strange for a plane built for 20-hour flights, but it’s a smart move airlines often make.
- Familiarization is Key:
Flying a new, complex aircraft like the new A350-1000 on shorter routes first helps everyone get comfortable with its systems, handling, and operational procedures. Pilots can learn how it handles, cabin crew can get used to the new layout, and ground teams can practice turnarounds. It’s essential preparation before tackling the immense challenge of a 20-hour flight.
- Engineered for Extreme Range:
The Airbus A350-1000 is already the largest member of the A350 family. But Qantas has ordered theirs to be equipped with optional, additional fuel tanks. This modification will provide the aircraft with the extended range necessary to complete those incredibly long non-stop journeys.
- Prioritizing Well-being:
Beyond just getting you there directly, a major focus is on making the journey itself manageable. The specially designed cabins, with more space and features across all classes, are key. The dedicated wellness zone, allowing passengers to stand and stretch, directly addresses the physical challenges of being seated for 20 hours. Coupled with things like high-speed internet at every seat, Qantas is clearly trying to set a new standard for comfort on the world’s longest flight time routes.
Looking Ahead
The debut of the Qantas ultra long haul with Project Sunrise feels like much more than just adding new routes. It represents a major step forward in how we travel across the globe.
Twenty hours on a plane sounds like a lot, but Qantas seems to have thought of everything. From the specially designed aircraft interiors to passenger well-being, they aimed to make these incredibly long journeys as comfortable and convenient as they can be.
