World’s longest flight where passengers ‘see two sunrises’ set to take off in 2027

The journey from the UK to Australia is no easy feat. Passengers can expect a nearly 30-hour trip with at least one stopover on the way.

However, travellers are edging closer to a more convenient flying experience. Australian airline Qantas Airways is aiming to launch the first-ever non-stop flight between London and Sydney in just two years.

The ultra-long-haul flight, known as Project Sunrise, hopes to connect Australia’s east coast with major travel hubs like London and New York. 

While no decision has been made about which route will be launched first, the flights are expected to take around 19 hours and travel over 10,000 miles.

It means these non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York are will cut passenger’s flight time down by up to four hours.

It’s been in the works since 2017, with Qantas initially hoping to launch in 2025. However, the project faced delays due to the pandemic and manufacturing issues, and flights are now set to take off in 2027.

The name of the route, ‘Project Sunrise’, comes from the idea that passengers will see two sunrises as they travel along what will become the longest flight paths in the world, a record currently held by Singapore Airlines which travels 18 hours from Singapore to New York.

The services will be scheduled after the airline receives the first of 12 dedicated Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the end of the next year, Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson said on Tuesday. 

Qantas will then have to carry out local certification flights and further trials to make sure crew become familiar with the aircraft.

Hudson told media on the sidelines of an Airbus event in Toulouse on Tuesday that Qantas was ‘very confident’ in demand for the services. 

‘We will need three aircraft to be able to have a daily service, either from Sydney to New York or Sydney to London. Then, as the other aircraft come on, we’ll be able to fill out the network,’ Hudson added. 

Hudson previously told Forbes that the new flights will allow Australians to  ‘break out and see the world on the A350’ and will help the company work towards its ultimate goal of making Australia ‘closer’ to the world.

When Project Sunrise finally launches, passengers can expect luxury.

Qantas previously revealed the design of its cabins, and they’re catered to ‘avoid jet lag’. 

The airline aims to use cabin lighting to ‘promote circadian adaption, sleep and wake’, at different times of the flight.

The aircraft will also have a Wellbeing Zone, situated between Economy and Premium Economy Cabins.

The space will include a selection of healthy refreshments and large monitors, where you can follow ‘guided movements’.

More than 40% of the aircraft will have Premium cabins. That includes six first-class suites, 52 Business suites, and 40 Premium Economy seats, while the other 60% will have 140 Economy seats and a wellness space.

For those choosing to fly First class, you can more or less pretend you’re in a hotel room as you will be treated to ‘the pinnacle in comfort and luxury for ultra-long-haul travel’ with your very own enclosed room complete with a flatbed, reclining armchair, a workspace for one to two people, and a full-length wardrobe.

The suite also includes a 32″ touchscreen TV with Bluetooth capabilities and LED lighting. For those who enjoy breakfast in bed, the single bed has an adjustable backrest for added comfort.

It’s not all bad in economy though. It includes an entertainment touchscreen and USB-C charging capabilities.

So when exactly will the flight be available to book? And how much will it cost? Qantas is yet to release those details, but with 2027 getting closer and closer, it’s only a matter of time before passengers get their answers.

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