The first recorded powered flight lasted for 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 feet. If the Wright brothers were alive today, surely they’d marvel at the progress made in the aviation industry since that fateful day, on December 17th, 1903—when Orville Wright commanded the Wright Flyer, with older brother Wilbur monitoring this historic moment from a few feet away.
Fast forward to our modern day era, when so-called ultra long-haul flights carry passengers around the globe, and modern aircraft are well-equipped enough to maintain expeditious flight lasting for hours on end, connecting continents, cultures and people around the clock.
What are ultra long-haul flights?
Industry heavy-weights such as ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and IATA (International Air Transport Association) define ultra long-haul flights as routes lasting more than 16 hours, often spanning 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles) or more. These nonstop journeys connect distant cities such as Singapore and New York or Perth and London—a feat that likely would have left the legendary trailblazers mentioned above gasping for air.
Surely this is a new thing, right?
One could easily be fooled into believing that ultra long-haul flights are a modern invention, propelled by eager engineers and daring route planners. In fact, they’ve been around for quite some time. Already in 1936, Pan American Airways utilized the legendary Martin M-130 on a non-stop flight that whisked passengers between San Francisco and Pearl Harbor in roughly 19.5 hours. A few years later, in the midst of the turmoil of World War II, Qantas operated the aptly named “Double Sunrise” route. Connecting Perth with Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon), passengers would endure an eye-watering journey varying in trip time between 27 and 33 hours. At least they were being awarded a certificate acknowledging their trip, to secure future bragging rights.
Now, the difference between then and now obviously lies in the distance travelled. Because whereas travellers on that Pan American branded flying boat covered a distance just shy of approximately 3,900 kilometres (2,400 miles) when travelling to Hawaii, modern aircraft can send passengers more than three times that distance, in less time to boot.
Rise of the modern ultra-long haul concept
The modern ultra long-haul concept dates back to the early 2000s, when Singapore Airlines launched a pioneering Singapore–Newark nonstop service with an Airbus A340-500 in June 2004. The 18-hour flight was impressive—but eventually proved to be far from sustainable due to a devastating one-two combo involving the 2008 financial crisis leading to less demand, coupled with rising fuel prices.
With the introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 families, the dream of true global nonstop travel became practical (and beancounter approved) again. These aircraft combine fuel-efficient engines, lightweight composite structures, and advanced aerodynamics, making ultra long-haul routes viable—and increasingly common.
Currently, the longest route in use connects Singapore with New York and is operated by Singapore Airlines (SQ/SIA), using flight numbers SQ23 and SQ24 respectively. For a more substantial rundown, you can check out our updated list of the top 10 longest flights in the world.
How airlines make 16+ hour flights work
As expected, these lengthy endeavors bring with them numerous challenges. As hinted above, suitable aircraft play a crucial part and, naturally, not all aircraft are up for the challenge. Designing an aircraft that can carry loads of fuel is one thing. Making sure that it also has room for enough passengers and cargo capacity to allow for financially sound operations is another ballgame. An aircraft that attempts this balancing act is the Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range). It can carry an impressive 166,000 liters (just shy of 44,000 US gallons) of fuel—enough to sustain up to 15,750 kilometers of (9786 miles) of non-stop flying.
Then there’s the purely human aspect of spending all that time airborne in a confined space. Multiple sets of pilots and cabin crew are needed, working in shifts and expected to get proper rest using onboard sleeping quarters. Passengers will out of necessity sit down for extended periods of time, something our bodies are not built for. To reduce fatigue, aircraft design often allows for higher cabin pressure and better humidity (i.e. “not bone-dry air”) to mimic conditions on the ground. Use of LED lighting is also thought to help reduce jet-lag. Travellers are advised to stay hydrated, move regularly, and synchronize sleep schedules to ease the effects of time zone changes.
Project Sunrise: Pushing the boundaries of ultra long-haul flights
Announced in 2017, Qantas (QF/QFA)’ Project Sunrise is set to launch direct flights from Sydney to London and New York, lasting nearly 20 hours—the longest commercial flights ever scheduled.
At the time, Qantas pitted aircraft manufacturers against each other, challenging them to present aircraft up for the task. While initially using Boeing 787-9 for test flights, Qantas have decided that the Airbus A350-1000ULR will be their aircraft of choice when the routes commence, placing an order of 12 aircraft in May 2022—tentatively seeing the first aircraft arrive in October 2026. Before that happens, Airbus engineers will make modifications that improve the already quite hefty MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight), while redesigning the fuel tanks due to regulator demand.
As aircraft performance and fuel efficiency improve, direct flights between almost any two major cities will soon be possible. No stopovers will reduce travel time significantly, which many of course will prefer and pay a premium to attain. But perhaps, at the same time, there is a ceiling for how long certain passengers are willing to travel in one go?
Only time will tell.
10 Responses
Part of me says, “Wow, a 20 hour flight sounds fascinating”. The other part says, “Would you go insane?”. I do not think I could do it without having, at least, a great recliner seat if not a flat bed. Just sitting up? Probably couldn’t hack it.
I did over 17 hours nonstop in economy on a Dreamliner from London to Perth and it was really good. The cabin pressurisation was a large factor and the timing of the meals helped considerably. I actually slept much of the way which is unusual for me
Be interesting to know what cabin pressure altitudes would be experienced on the 350-1000 and how the fatigue factor would affect pax in relation to those aircraft who still have cabin press altitudes in the 7000-8000ft range
For Qantas “Sunrise” ULR A350-1000 the critical factor is the seat count is heavily reduced with only 238 pass, but higher proportion of premium seats. That compares with 236 pass in the smaller B787-9 also used by Qantas and no slouch itself at long haul flights.
Extra fuel tank capacity is required but its just fairly standard fuselage belly tank instead of cargo. Not a novel contiguous fuselage tank like the A321XLR.
Back in 2008 Airbus applied for all A350 a novel system and required regulatory approval. A Nitrogen generation system NGS to fill the tanks as fuel was used. This reduces flammability from fuel vapour.
Does ‘multiple’ pilots mean more than two teams? Do the rules prohibit a cockpit crew doing the first and the third quarters of the flight, with the other team doing the second and fourth quarters?
No. Qantas will use only 4 crew, eventually 1 Captain and 1 First Officer pairing with two second officer in turns – 2 on, 2 off for 3-4 hours each break except all on for takeoff and landing.
Interesting longflight technology. Let’s hear how they will disinfect that baby !
After a 2 leg out journey from London to Brisbane, London-Singapore A380 in business class, on ward in business class as well. We did the Perth London flight in December 2019. It did not seem overlong or boring and was very comfortable throughout. Although my wife and I were traveling in business class, spending the kids inheritance. On any flights over 2 hours we will only fly business class until the money runs out and as we have just made it to be octogenarians its going down quite quickly.
Have you ever listened to David Gunson after dinner speech on air traffic control as he was one. Excellent listening.
Hi and thank you for sharing your experience. I can not wait to board a non-stop flight to Melbourne or Sydney from JFK. I know it’ll be some time before they inaugurate nonstop service to the state of Victoria, but I’ll patiently wait.
I flew the Singapore A340-500 LAX-SIN for the experience. Clocked in at 17hr 6min. Those 340s originally had a premium econ class at the back but when I flew (spring 2012) the entire cabin was business class. I remember being concerned over the psych effects but ultimately it was not a problem. As long as you have different things to keep you occupied, time passes quicker.