Qantas' Project Sunrise: The World's Longest Flights Are Coming

Qantas is set to introduce the world’s longest nonstop commercial flights, connecting Sydney directly to London and New York. These flights, clocking in at up to 22 hours, will cut travel time by about four hours compared to current one-stop routes.

The airline has ordered 12 Airbus A350-1000s, specifically designed for these long journeys, focusing on passenger wellness and comfort like never before.

Designed for the Long Haul

To make these marathon flights more bearable, Qantas is incorporating several innovations into the aircraft:

• A Dedicated Wellbeing Zone – Available to all passengers, featuring space for stretching, exercise guides, and healthy refreshments.

• Circadian Rhythm Lighting – Helping passengers adjust to different time zones and minimize jet lag.

• Fewer Seats, More Space – Just 238 seats across four cabins (First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy) to allow for extra legroom and comfort.

Upgraded Passenger Experience

Every seat gets a redesign to make the long hours more comfortable:

• First Class – Private suites with a full bed, reclining chair, wardrobe, and dining space.

• Business Class – Fully enclosed suites with flat-bed seating and extra storage.

• Premium Economy – More recline, winged headrests, and extra legroom.

• Economy – Increased legroom and improved ergonomic seat design.

Passengers can also enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, keeping them entertained and connected throughout the flight.

What This Means for Airline Staff & Passriders

For airline employees and nonrevs, this could be a game-changer. A direct Sydney-London or Sydney-New York route means fewer connections (and hopefully, fewer missed flights). However, these flights will likely be high-yield, so standby availability could be tough—especially in the early months after launch.

On the bright side, the Project Sunrise aircraft will be used on other international routes, meaning those upgraded seats and wellness zones could be available to nonrevs even if they aren’t on the 22-hour mega-flights.

If your airline has a ZED agreement with Qantas that includes premium cabins, now is the time to check and see if you might have access to Business or Premium Economy on these flights. With such long travel times, an upgrade could make all the difference!

That said, keep in mind that ultra-long-haul flights are often subject to weight restrictions, which could impact seat availability for standby travelers. Full flights and tight weight limits might make it harder to score a seat, even if there are empty spots on the load. Always have a backup plan!

The Future of Ultra-Long-Haul Travel

Qantas is betting big on these direct routes, and if they prove successful, other airlines may follow suit. Could this be the future of long-haul travel?

Would you take a 22-hour nonstop flight? Or do you prefer to break up your journey?