Published：Jun 16, 23:59Last updated：Jun 18, 08:12

Qantas Launches World's Longest Flight to London

Jun. 16, 2026 23:59

Qantas Airways will reveal the first destination for its ultra-long-haul 'Project Sunrise' flights on Wednesday. The routes from eastern Australia to London or New York aim to break remaining barriers in air travel. The project has faced years of delays but is now moving forward.

Summarized

9News

7Media

Jun. 17, 2026 23:33

Qantas will launch the world's longest commercial flight using an Airbus A350-1000ULR on June 2, 2026. The flight marks a significant milestone in aviation. The details were confirmed by Airbus SE. The route and destination were not specified in the provided content.

Jun. 18, 2026 08:12

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson announced plans to acquire five A350 aircraft by November next year. These will enable ultra-long-haul flights like Sydney to London and New York.

Qantas Airways has officially announced London as the first destination for its groundbreaking Project Sunrise flights, marking a new era in ultra-long-haul aviation. The Sydney-London route will utilize specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, enabling non-stop travel for what will become the world's longest commercial flight at approximately 22 hours. This initiative culminates nearly a decade of development since the project's inception. Reuters+2

✈️ Flight Specifications

The Project Sunrise flights will operate using five newly acquired Airbus A350-1000ULR jets, featuring advanced fuel efficiency and passenger comfort systems. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson confirmed the aircraft will enter service by November 2027, with inaugural flights now scheduled for October that year after minor delays. The modified planes include upgraded cabin configurations to mitigate passenger fatigue. The Sydney Morning Herald+2

🌍 Route Expansion

While London is the initial destination, Qantas plans to extend Project Sunrise to New York and potentially other global hubs. The airline is investing billions in both aircraft acquisition and passenger health research to optimize the ultra-long-haul experience. This expansion aims to solidify Qantas' position in the competitive international aviation market. The Age+2

⏳ Project Timeline

2017: Project Sunrise concept announced
2026: Aircraft specifications finalized
June 2026: Official route announcement
October 2027: Scheduled inaugural flight
The timeline reflects significant delays from original projections, attributed to technical challenges and pandemic-related setbacks. Airbus SE remains the key manufacturing partner throughout the project's development. Bloomberg+2

🏆 Aviation Milestone

The Sydney-London route will surpass current distance records for commercial flights, requiring specialized pilot training for extended navigation. Qantas emphasizes this achievement as a technological leap comparable to the introduction of jet aircraft in the 1950s. The project represents Australia's most ambitious aviation undertaking in decades. The Age+2

LondonSydneyQantas AirwaysVanessa HudsonAirbus A350-1000ULR