Qantas placed orders for 12 specially modified Airbus A350-1000s this week to serve as its Project Sunrise fleet. The airline will launch non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York by the end of 2025. The fleet will also enable Qantas to launch additional non-stop flights from Australia to ‘any other city.’ Explore the top 10 longest flights in the world here and find out which of those Qantas operate >>
What is Project Sunrise?
Qantas has long sought non-stop service from eastern Australia to Europe and eastern North America. Dubbed Project Sunrise, the airline began a research program to understand the requirements for aircraft, crew, and passengers to operate 20+ hour flights.
In 2019, Qantas operated three test flights using lightly loaded Boeing 787-9s. Pilots, cabin crew, and passengers wore special sensors and participated in different research programs.
The flight to New York from Sydney measures 16,013 km (8,646 nm) and the flight to London measures 17,016 km (9,188 nm). The Project Sunrise flights will become the longest in the world, with the London flight being nearly 2,000 km longer than the world’s current longest flight between Singapore and New York.
Qantas chooses the A350
Until now, no aircraft offered the range to economically operate those flights. Qantas’ order for 12 A350-1000s enables the airline to begin flights from Australia to anywhere thanks to modifications to the airframe. Airbus originally said it would not need to add an additional fuel tank, but after further review will do so to ensure the aircraft has the needed range.
Inside Qantas’ A350s
Qantas has revealed that the aircraft will feature 238 total seats, including six first class suites, 52 business class suites, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats. There will also be a “wellbeing zone” between the premium economy and economy cabins.
Project Sunrise First Class
The six first class suites will feature a reclining chair and dedicated bed as well as a 32 inch monitor. The suites will feature a closing door, but it does not appear that they’ll be fully enclosed.
First look at the rest of the aircraft
On 16 June, Qantas released the first detailed look at all the cabins for its Project Sunrise A350s. The economy cabin will feature 33 inches of pitch, while premium economy will have 40 inches. Have a look at the video below for the full tour.
Will you be onboard?
Project Sunrise flights are scheduled to launch by the end of 2025. Would you be willing to book on a 20+ non-stop flight? Or are multiple, shorter connecting flights preferred? Let us know in the comments below.
![An example full flight summary response from the Flightradar24 API: { "data": [ { "fr24_id": "0987654321", "flight": "SK1415", "callsign": "SAS1415", "operated_as": "SAS", "painted_as": "SAS", "type": "A20N", "reg": "SE-DOY", "orig_icao": "ESSA", "orig_iata": "ARN", "datetime_takeoff": "2023-01-27T05:15:22", "runway_takeoff": "12R", "dest_icao": "EKCH", "dest_iata": "CPH", "dest_icao_actual": "EPWA", "dest_iata_actual": "WAW", "datetime_landed": "2023-01-27T06:15:10", "runway_landed": "27L", "flight_time": 3600, "actual_distance": 1007.74, "circle_distance": 6245, "category": "Passenger", "hex": "4A91F9", "first_seen": "2023-01-27T05:06:22", "last_seen": "2023-01-27T06:18:10", "flight_ended": "true" } ] }](https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Flight-summary-API-cover-300x148.jpg)
![An example full flight summary response from the Flightradar24 API: { "data": [ { "fr24_id": "0987654321", "flight": "SK1415", "callsign": "SAS1415", "operated_as": "SAS", "painted_as": "SAS", "type": "A20N", "reg": "SE-DOY", "orig_icao": "ESSA", "orig_iata": "ARN", "datetime_takeoff": "2023-01-27T05:15:22", "runway_takeoff": "12R", "dest_icao": "EKCH", "dest_iata": "CPH", "dest_icao_actual": "EPWA", "dest_iata_actual": "WAW", "datetime_landed": "2023-01-27T06:15:10", "runway_landed": "27L", "flight_time": 3600, "actual_distance": 1007.74, "circle_distance": 6245, "category": "Passenger", "hex": "4A91F9", "first_seen": "2023-01-27T05:06:22", "last_seen": "2023-01-27T06:18:10", "flight_ended": "true" } ] }](https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Flight-summary-API-cover-768x378.jpg)
85 Responses
In a heartbeat-if only I could afford it…
As a matter of interest what engine option hade been chosen?
I’m curious what the results of the flight tests were in terms of radiation. What an equivalent dose of X-rays or bananas would be interesting. Was there any other reported side effects of such a long flight? How long is the flight and what potential routes will the use?
A 20 hr flight would be welcome
To do 20 hrs in an economy seat, it will have to be more spacious and more comfortable than the present economy seats…
I have always thought there could be economy horizontal tubes to travel long distance say stacked in threes like a beehive!
I’d definitely be up for 20+ hrs flying
If I had the large amount of money it will take to buy the trip, I would definitely be the first to buy the route to London!
That would be a great chance to be on a try out for that 20 hour flight.
Even the cost could avoid me from doing it.
I would happily be on the first flight. Having flown many many 14 hour flights to Asia, I have no problem going a few extra. hours. Lots of good books, a couple movies, some fun foods and some time cut off from the rest of the world. I rather enjoy these long flights. I’m hoping to snag one of the first JFK-SYD flights in 2025!
For business I flew several times Lufthansa’s longest flight in Y-class in roughly 14 hours 30 minutes from FRA to EZE (Buenos Aires). That is pretty tough, I would say even in Premium Economy class. With reclining seats in C-class or F-class there is no problem because you can sleep comfortably.
The planned 20-hours flights by Qantas is no problem in F-class or C-class. However in Y-class a very challenging trip for young people, a no go for elderly folks.
Qantas should consider to reduce the number of standard Y-class and increase the number of Premium Y-class with new, top reclining Premium Y-class seats.
To answer your question: No.
On the face of it, unless they are willing to give significantly more room to the economy class passengers, it would appear to be the airlines version of waterboarding.
Flying economy for 10 hours at the moment in the cramped narrow seating of economy is a seriously bad experience. My mind goes into spasms at the thought of twice that time.
Is there any way airlines can be encouraged to boldly advertise their advantage over others in that they actually provide a pleasurable experience for passengers. OK for a few dollars more, but balance that against the misery of DVT.
I have already done three Australia to UK direct flights, DWN-LHR and PER-LHR. I was a bit concerned initially but, oh my goodness, going direct has been so much easier and more pleasant than via SIN or Dubai. Once one has got going, the extra thre hours doesn’t seem to be much of a bother compared with the stopovers. It’s the only way to go. Doing LHR-DWN if felt really sorry for those going on to SYD, so much easier if they could just stay airborne.
Absolutely I would. And if I recall correctly from the test flights, when flying eastwards you get two sunrises, right? Has to be the ultimate experience. Wish I could be able to afford such a ticket.
I most certainly will, if I live long enough!! I can remember flying from Brize Norton in England to Singapore in a RAF Hastings via everywhere, in 1955 and it took 5 days. I”m not going to miss the opportunity to do the same trip (plus a few km) in less than one day.
I’ve flown form NZ on the East and West route’s to the UK in the 70- 80’s. In those day’s, no
direct flight’s, one stopover, Suited us, have a sniff around for a couple if day’s. I guess direct would
cut down landing fee’s and fuel cost’s?. Maybe in year’s to come Sub sonic could be the answer?
Air travel has to go forward, but which way?. Thanks, BS.
I would totally take the flight from Sydney to London — sign me up!
Unless specifically planning a stay at a stopover destination, just getting from A to B with the least interruption would be my preference
As long as the seats are well designed ergometrically with orthopaedic ,respiratory and psychologists input it should work
All seats currently have deficiencies even some first and most business clas seats
Not me! Not even in J class. Cooped up with reduced O2 levels for 20+ hours would drive me crazy. And for what? To save a few hours in transit? Nobody’s that time poor. Also Qantas will charge through the nose for these direct flights. I will happily avoid them.
I would definitely book a 20+ hour flight, if the price is right. Which I doubt.
20+ hours is OK for me.
Would definitely choose the non-stop flight. Ready for trying it out.
Having done the journey from LHR to SYD, via DXB, I think one journey would be good. Saves having to faff about going through in transit customs etc. Then again, having those breaks is good for movement to prevent DVT’s.
If I was in first or business class I would take 20 hr flight if I was in any other class, no way.
I think that for business people it might be welcomed. But I would imagine the price of tickets would put it out of reach of ordinary passengers.
I live in New Zealand so I am used to long flights to almost anywhere except Australia and the South Pacific Islands. However, as I very unlikely to be able to afford business class or first class, I think shorter sectors with more stops to stretch the legs are preferable.
Furthermore, Air New Zealand is going to be starting Auckland-New York flights later this year so that is more convenient for me. (I have done Qantas AKL-X/SYD-X/LAX-JFK return before and it was a painfully long flight considering I had to go through three hours in the wrong direction from AKL-SYD and SYD-AKL.
I like the idea, but not sure it’s for me personally. I suffered a DVT as a result of long haul flight London-Tokyo-Sydney with an immobilised broken foot. So I wonder about such risks generally for such a long flight with Project Sunrise?
We have been overseas a few times but l/we hate the stopover’s. So would love to do a non stop from Sydney to London.
Thinking ahead to flying from Gold Coast Qld to Singapore then to Helsinki and to Budapest and return. I could not stand a huge long flight so intend to break it up with a few days in each stopover
I will certainly be on one of the first flights in First class! Can’t wait…..
Glad to see Qantas has picked the best aircraft for the job- Quiet with plenty of room and wider seats together with pressurisation that give a less long haul feeling.
Qantas in known for its first class service with genuine helpfulness from the cabin crews-looking forward to booking a business (has to be for 20hrs) trip to Australia from London to test out this 20hr service- hate the stop over, just more airport trauma. Much rather stay on the aircraft. The real test, will be the space and comfort provided and an allowance to stretch ones legs. If the end result is to cut corners and not provide the necessary space-then it will very quickly become a negative talking point, which I am sure Qantas does not want. 20hrs aboard anything is a trial, we have to wait and see what develops. I plan to use mine for business talks and connections plus catching up on the paperwork during the flight, so I will be expecting the best facilities to that end. 20 hrs is a lot of lost time and I will need to fill it with productiveness, not endless films.Next to all of that, comes the food, which must be to the highest standard if only to take ones mind away from the flight. So Qantas, you have a lot to achieve, I wish you luck.
OK if you just want to go to UK or East Coast USA. But there are plenty more interesting stopovers.
Anyway I’m saving now for the experience. Bring it on.
I’ve never been on a flight longer than six hours so I have visions of anxiety and distress. I might be more suited to steerage on a tall ship round the horn.
I personally would rather take several flights with a break in the middle rather than endure 20+ hours in the air. I guess that’s a benefit of being retired. I regularly travel Brisbane – Vancouver and 14 hours is about my limit.
20 hrs in economy
No way
Give me MEL HNL. SFO JFK
With 2 nights in hotel between flights
In first or business, I’d try it. But packed into economy, I’d take the stopovers. I’d wonder about the risk of blood clots and other issues, even with the “well being” zone. You really need to walk around to avoid DVT. SYD-LAX, then on to ORD or JFK would be fine. Who is in any condition to do business after a 14 or 16 hour flight in coach? You would need an overnight anyway.
I’ve flown EWR-BKK on Thai. Going to BKK was long but enjoyable. Return trip to EWR was brutal. I’d have to get a low interest credit card to fly project sunrise in Business Class. I think thats the only way to fly ultra long haul.
Having done numerous Brisbane to LA then connecting to JFK with Qantas and Virgin/Alaska options would hope service and seating in economy is greatly improved with Qantas, previous experiences have not been that good flying Qantas, hence the then Virgin/Alaskan option with two hours in LA then to JFK was preferred option.
I cannot imagine anything worse than spending so long in an aircraft, even in Business. Sorry QANTAS, I will not be travelling to Australia on your service.
Instead, let’s go back to the old days and make the Business/First a separate flight in 3 hops, with overnight hotels arranged and managed by the Airline, not confine older people in a metal tube for 20 hours…. Let the young and fit do the long haul in one hop.
Having done a JNB-JFK direct flight that took 16:30, and extra 3:30 to avoid a stop over would not be a huge problem. Would love to experience the double sunrise.
Have flown many times to Asia direct and via. But the thought of non stop of 20 hours would not fillme with joy. Would only be at minimum premium economy, probably passable in Business.
I now, I am afraid only fly economy Max 5 hours as it is uncomfortable cramped and tedious.
Would never consider 20 …torture in every way.
It’s a
Dream this 1st and business class,even the Y premium,for this ultra long flight,I always liked Qantas ,hope
They will add São Paulo-Sydney non stop as their new route to South America without a changing plane and (Another airline) at Buenos Aires or Santiago
Will be going to Sydney and New Zealand in 2025 always fly Qantas will certainly be trying this flight.
Given the affordability, either premium economy or business class would be fine for the journey. If one were in their 20s or younger, economy may work, but travel for anyone over, say, 45 years old would need at least the amenities of the premium economy class.
Yes!
I flew nonstop to Perth a couple of years back. Yes, it was mind and buttock numbingly boring, but compared to the return leg via Singapore (arriving there in the middle of the night, disembarking with hand luggage and immediately having to queue up to go through security and boarding only to go back to the seat I’d left before) it was a breeze.
I’m 75 years old, so for me the answer is a definite no. I doubt many older travellers could cope with a 20-hour non stop flight unless they have the money to fly first class. These days I only do long haul flights in business class and I still find 7-8 hours is about my limit, so a trip like this I would do in three segments with at a couple of days at each stopover. I’m retired so the time constraints that would apply to business travellers don’t affect me. For leisure travellers, I think economy would be a nightmare even for younger travellers. I assume Qantas assessed the feasibility of having an all-premium economy cabin at the back, but I’m surprised there are only 40 premium economy seats given that there are more than 50 business class seats.
I would but not n economy or premium economy. On the other hand I don’t mind a stop over as we have plenty of time… so I think I would still fly paris to Singapore and singapore to sydney with a few days in Singapore
As long as I could afford it, I’m up for it. Saves all the messing around with transit airports. Longest we have done up to now is Hong Kong to New York which was just over 16 hours. Will flights ever be available from Adelaide ??
Fantastic and a long time coming, but unless BNE gets one it’s useless to Australians outside the M25 boundary. I live in Leeds ,so SQ / EK / CX 1 stops are faster anyway in overall travel time. My longest airborne sector was 15.5 hours on a bad headwind BKK-LHR and wouldn’t find the “extra flight time” a drama – I hope it makes money and the London Australians utilise it
I’ve done 17+ hours economy with Emirates and wouldn’t do it again! Recently travelled Seoul to London Business for 14 hours but by then I’d had enough and wanted to get off. Think I prefer two flights with a break rather than continuous.
Absolutely yes! I have already done nonstop PER-LHR, DWN-LHR, LHR-PER, having previously gone via SIN or DUB. I was a bit apprehensive first time but the nonstops were so, so much better. The general impression was that the flight wasn’t much longer, and there wasn’t another whole flight to do next, just a taxi home. It looks daunting but it works.
I find all long haul flights uncomfortable and actually look forward to a stop-over as a break. In this day and age would companies really pay for this to save several hours for all but the CEO? Everybody just uses Zoom. It will simply fall to the elite traveler that cannot fly privately. I am sure Qantas is correct that there is a small, exclusive market for it. I would just skip trying to add economy seats.
No way in that pretty much cattle car economy and premium economy, and not likely in the decent-but-not-for-20 hours business. The $uites? $ure!
As nice and thoughtfully built the product appears in these renders, unless there was a pressing time constraint, the product does not appear (at any price) to be worth the torture.
The First product looks nice but, compared to offerings from carriers like Emirates and Etihad, it doesn’t really seem to match up in raw cubic feet let alone fit and finish. So unless there’s a really compelling price on the First fare it isn’t even something I’d consider (unlikely, because to make the RASM work on this route, well, we know why they made them smaller…but the per unit revenue has to still be higher).
OTOH, flying a really, really nice product to Dubai or Abu Dhabi (at likely the same or better price), taking even just 8-16 hours to stretch the legs/be outside/in natural light, etc, and then continue on seems a lot more appealing.
But, well, if I’m in a rush between the points and someone else is paying, well, maybe…but unless it’s a friend or family member dying, critical business that just can’t wait, etc I would much rather tack on a day or three to my travel than be cooped up in a space (no matter how nice) even on a half-full flight, let alone at capacity (and if they aren’t running them at capacity, I doubt the economics of this route come close to working).
How many crew & pilots and where do they get to sit / sleep?
I don’t care about ‘radiation’ or ‘spacious seating’ as a small person who sleeps leaning against the seat in front I’d be happy any which way. I am just pleased Airbus has developed a plane that can fly such distances making the world smaller for us all. I will also be on one of the first flights.
In reaponse to that person who thinks London & New York are not interesting I’d say save your money – we don’t need your A$. The world economies DO need these connections!
Thank you Airbus and Qantas for shrinking the world with an amazing vision and beautiful machine! The A350 is truly the best plane in the skies. The -1000
Variant will only cement Airbus’ position.
I will definitely be experiencing SYD-LHR in one leap.
Having flown via DXB & SIN a number of times unless you intend to spend a few days on the ground at the stopovers, they seem such a waste of time.
The class travelling in will be largely decided by the Bank balance at the time seats are released for sale. Fingers crossed for either Business or First.
Sod that!
I think that a 20+ hours flight may not be suitable for Covid-vaxed people. For the others, I think that 50% prefers shorter flights, and 40% will look to the additional costs for this kind of flights. The final 10% are J-F Class travellers, not so “price-sensitive”…
100% – the extra few hours compared to stopping off makes this a no brainer. I’ll be booking seats for Jan ‘26
At what cost will the flight from Sydney to London return be? I guess close to $15 or 20 thousand or maybe more by the time this dream takes off.
Sound good but only for the super rich
That Irish person trying to put his make on the game before he leaves
Absolutely, sign me up
Providing the price is reasonable, I would be prepared to take a non-stop flight to London or New York if time was of the essence, but only in first or business class, not economy. However I would prefer a stop, either transit to stretch the legs, or a couple of days, just to break the trip.
We have already decided to break up our journeys into 3 parts with days off in between. Its an opportunity to explore places. As I get more air sick the older I get, this works better for us. It does make travel more expensive and time consuming. I really do think that it depends on why people are travelling and how much time they have for the whole journey as to whether being sardined for 20+ hours works. On the other hand, we once took a flight which was supposed to be 14 hours, and it got diverted due to a sand storm. We sat on tarmac for 3 hours, then flew back to where we supposed to land. Over 18 hours. We remember it and I don’t think I could do that now.
I have flown 14 and 16 hour flights with Qatar and Cathay Pacific, which were OK, although in business class so the comfort was appropriate. There is no way I would consider an ultra long haul flight in economy, or even premium economy. It must be at least business class for the extra space and comfort.
20hrs + prisoner in eco or premium eco is nothing but torture and an expensive one too. No thanks, never. Even business and first is tough, no thanks. A convenient stop over in SIN is great, relaxing, the safest best organised airport in the world and no need for any customs clearance. Blow sunrise, leave that up to the crazy folks. Done several thousand long haul flights, so have an idea what long hours of flight can do to your system regardless of class.
Many people commented that they would like to fly direct London to Sydney
But the way I read the article it’s London to Darwin
Passengers to Sydney or other Australia locations would need to change planes and then take another flight, so really what’s the point?
Not good for deep vein thrombosis in economy or premium economy.
The premium Y looked reasonable till I saw the steep recline (in the video) – imagine getting in & out out to the aisle with those obstacles in the way!
Regular economy looks appalling, akin to 21st century torture. J or F or I’m happy to stopover.
Nope, longer than 7 hours is a trial for me. Considering all the stop overs as the usual alternative I think I would rather go even slower, catch a cruise ship and make a long, long holiday of getting such a distance.
Having been a flight attendant for 28 years, 9 of them with Qantas Longhaul, I am concerned about the amount of rest in layover ports for the cabin crew. The pilots will be granted whatever their union demands. But cabin crew are more easily – and more inexpensively – replaced. I fear the burnout these poor cabin crew will endure on these horrendous sectors.
The seats are an interesting upgrade, definitely. Premium Economy with the leg rest, for me it’s a must. But I guess for Economy they should have groups of two seats, giving each individual the possibility to exit independently. For such a long flight it can’t be like others. It would cost more, definitely, but I can’t see a person squeezed in the middle for 20 hours.
No way! Economy seat pitch with a six foot frame don’t mix.
Will be bearable in F or J but sounds like a recipe for torture in Y. There shouldn’t be any normal economy class seats on these flights – surely it contravenes the equivalent of the Geneva Convention for aviation?
And then the question of how much more one would be prepared to cough up for avoiding the stopover. Would be interesting to compare fuel usage/CO2 emissions per passenger with and without stopover.
I remember the late 70’s flying LHR/MEL on a B707 with 6 tech stops on route, it wasnt far short of 24hours. All that up and down and long transits at some airports. I am old and decrepit now but would still do a 20hr flight and be happy about it.
I this A350 is like the other ones, where you do not have an adjustable air vent, and I beg for hours to have to cabin cooler, you could pay me to me on the A350 for 20 hours.
Nothing beats a layover somewhere in SE Asia, so no thanks for a direct route even if I’m an aviation geek.
I live in Melbourne (similar size to Sydney). So if Qantas flies from Sydney to London or New York I’d still have one stop. I’d rather fly from Melbourne direct to the middle east or the US west coast and make my stop there. So no thanks Qantas (whose appalling customer service lost me long ago anyway)
If it was affordable Yes. Had first ever flight from Newcastle uk to Christchurch Nz. Emirates seats were pure torture fo me as was 10 hour layover in Dubai. Flight from to Sydney was window seat but needed to get up to stretch more often, Felt for passengers next to me. Also the seat in front was so far reclined i could make out screen . So more space between rows need or seats that do not recline.
Up until August, 2022 I would have looked forward to a 20 hour, non-stop flight. However a major cancer operation has put a stop to that as I now have a Stoma, which requires a bag to be fitted at all times. Long flights mean I will need a “night bag” to be attached to the day one. I know of people using these on the 17 hour QA PER-LHR flights but personally 20 hours???
Not a fan of a 20 hour flight at all, have endured 16 hours in a 777 and that was enough.
QANTAS would need to radically change their policy and allow passengers, especially in the ”cheap seats” to go for a walk around the cabin, like they used to in the 1980s and 1990s on the 747. The current policy is to stay in your seat, unless you ”absolutely have to” and that to me is a key factor. DVT, like COVID, is still around. QANTAS used to have those keep fit booklets in the seat pocket and you were ”encouraged” to move about and stretch.
So ,no, wont be on the 20 hour one, happy to go via SIN or DXB for a stretch.
I am not sure if I would do this. Thanks
Only in Business. I have come to see these long haul flights (I live in Auckland) as an opportunity to see other places by stopping over for a few days: Doha, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. Some airlines offer very attractive stopover packages. But I have time. Not everyone has. But in economy? Is it really worth it? Even a 6 hour connection along the way would be a relief, and perhaps healthier.
BTW, a semi-related pet peeve. The seats in every car I have owned are more comfortable than economy or premium economy seats on aircraft. Why is that? Lower back support is always non-existent, and the seat cushion is often too short for good thigh support. It’s all in the shape, nothing to do with weight. Based on personal experience I suggest Volvo or Audi go into the airline seat business.
Qantas is not a budget airline and so I wonder who will purchase an economy class ticket. I recently flew economy Sydney-Los Angeles-Minneapolis-London and return with a US airline because the price was very attractive. At 72 years old I prefer the transit stops where I spend the time pacing the airport corridors in a vein attempt to prevent DVT; pun intended.