Qantas Record Flight: 24 Hours Nonstop in New Airbus A350 2026

Qantas made aviation history with a record-breaking 24-hour nonstop flight, showcasing the future of ultra-long-haul travel. This milestone flight, part of Project Sunrise, brings the airline closer to launching nonstop routes from Australia to London and New York.

Qantas Record Flight: 24 Hours in the Air

On Tuesday, a specially adapted Airbus A350-1000ULR landed in Toulouse, France, after flying from Melbourne for 24 hours and 24 minutes. The aircraft covered 23,075 kilometers (14,338 miles) over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, setting a new world record for the longest commercial flight, surpassing the previous 22-hour 42-minute record set by a Boeing 777-200LR in 2005.

This test flight is part of Qantas's Project Sunrise, an ambitious plan to connect Australia's east coast with London and New York in about 20 hours. The airline has ordered 12 modified A350-1000ULR aircraft, each carrying an extra 20,000 liters of fuel and seating 238 passengers.

Project Sunrise: Transforming Global Travel

The new Qantas A350 aircraft is designed to turn what was once a five-day journey on the “Kangaroo Route” to London into a single nonstop flight lasting 19 to 21 hours, depending on routing and winds. The first aircraft is due for delivery in April 2027, with daily nonstop flights between Sydney and London expected to begin in October 2027.

This innovation is not just about speed; it's about passenger comfort and efficiency. The aircraft features advanced cabin technology to reduce jet lag, including special lighting and spacious seating. Qantas aims to redefine long-haul travel, making it more convenient and enjoyable for passengers.

Record-Breaking Flight Details

The test flight attracted global attention, with over 3.6 million people tracking it on Flightradar24, making it the second-most-tracked flight in the platform's history. The flight path took the aircraft northwards via Canada, showcasing its incredible range and endurance.

Key Takeaways from the Qantas Record Flight

• Qantas completed the longest commercial flight ever, lasting 24 hours and 24 minutes.
• The Airbus A350-1000ULR features an extra fuel tank and advanced comfort systems.
• Project Sunrise will enable nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York by 2027.
• The flight was tracked by over 3.6 million people, showing high public interest.

FAQ

This record-breaking achievement marks a significant step forward in aviation, promising to make the world smaller and more accessible. As Qantas prepares for the 2027 launch, travelers can look forward to a new era of nonstop connectivity between Australia and Europe.