Inside the luxury planes Qantas will use for world's longest non-stop routes between Sydney, New York and London - with test flight days away

Qantas is preparing to debut the world’s longest non-stop commercial flights between Sydney and London, using specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. The first test flight of these ultra-long-range jets is scheduled for July 24, 2026, according to reports. These planes will eventually enable 20-hour direct flights from Sydney to London and potentially similar routes to New York, marking a major shift in global air travel. The test flight will cover a distance of approximately 17,000 kilometers, starting from Toulouse, France, and ending in Melbourne, Australia. This trial is part of Qantas’ broader initiative known as Project Sunrise, which aims to establish non-stop services between Australia and both the United Kingdom and the United States. The first operational flight on the Sydney-London route is expected to depart in October 2027, following successful testing and certification processes. Qantas has ordered 12 of the A350-1000ULR aircraft, each valued at around $330 million. These planes are specifically engineered to carry a full payload over extended distances, with the capability to complete a 22-hour flight. This surpasses the current record for the longest commercial passenger flight, which is held by Singapore Airlines for its 15,349-kilometer journey between New York and Singapore, lasting 18 hours and 50 minutes. Inside the aircraft, Qantas has implemented several features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort during ultra-long-haul flights. One notable addition is a “wellness zone,” described as the first of its kind in commercial aviation. This area includes wall-mounted handles for exercise and is designed to serve as both a fitness and social space. Passengers will also have access to premium self-serve refreshments focused on hydration and health, tailored for high-altitude conditions. Designers involved in the project, including Australian designer David Caon, emphasized the balance between functionality and aesthetics. Caon noted that a dedicated team of six individuals worked full-time for two years on aspects such as aircraft weight, maintainability, safety, and comfort, ensuring that design choices aligned with practical considerations. To mitigate the effects of jet lag, Qantas collaborated with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. Customized lighting mimicking the unique quality of light in the Australian Outback and timed meal services aligned with circadian rhythms were developed to improve passenger well-being during long flights. Analysts predict that these new routes will significantly enhance Qantas’ position in the global market. RBC Capital Markets analyst Owen Birrell stated that the introduction of these ultra-long-haul flights would grant the airline an “unparalleled competitive advantage.” He added that Qantas anticipates doubling the profit from its international operations within 12 months of launching the new routes. The development comes amid growing competition in international aviation, where Qantas has faced challenges from low-cost carriers and state-sponsored airlines. By focusing on non-stop point-to-point services, the airline aims to differentiate itself based on service quality rather than price competition. As the test flights approach, attention turns to how these innovations will translate into real-world performance and passenger experience. With the first delivery of the A350-1000ULR aircraft slated for April 2027, the countdown continues toward the realization of Qantas’ ambitious vision for transcontinental travel.