Qantas completes 20-hour test flight for world's longest Sydney-London route

Australian airline Qantas has successfully concluded a significant 20-hour test flight, marking a pivotal moment in its ambition to launch the world's longest regular non-stop commercial route. The flight, originating from Toulouse, France, and landing in Melbourne, Australia, is a key milestone for the airline's "Project Sunrise."

The ultimate goal is to establish a direct Sydney-London service in October 2027. This route is expected to span approximately 17,000 kilometers and will surpass Singapore Airlines' current record for the longest non-stop flight. The test aircraft, an Airbus A350-1000ULR, is purpose-built for such ultra-long-haul journeys, featuring an additional 20,000-liter fuel tank and other modifications to extend its range.

During the test flight, over 75,000 aviation enthusiasts tracked the aircraft's progress in real-time via Flightradar24, highlighting the significant public interest in this aviation feat. The A350-1000ULR will accommodate 238 passengers across various classes and include amenities like a well-being zone, advanced lighting systems to combat jet lag, and free Wi-Fi.

Qantas has ordered twelve A350-1000ULRs for Project Sunrise, which aims to connect Australia's east coast directly with Europe and North America, potentially shaving about four hours off current travel times. Following the Sydney-London route, the airline plans to introduce a direct Sydney-New York service. Reservations for both flights are set to open in February 2027, with fares anticipated to be around 20% higher than traditional flights with layovers.

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The airline has ordered twelve Airbus A350-1000ULR for this project.