Travellers will soon be able to fly non-stop from the UK to Australia after Qantas announced the launch of the world’s longest direct commercial flight, 20 hours!
The direct service between London and Sydney will become possible when Qantas takes delivery of its new Airbus A350-1000 planes, which can do more than 10,000 miles without refuelling.
For those wanting to stretch their legs on the flight, there will be a “wellbeing zone” in the centre of the aircraft that includes a snack bar and screens showing movement and stretching exercises.
Currently the longest non-stop flight in the world is Singapore Airlines’ New York JFK to Singapore route which takes 18h hours 50 minutes and travels just over 9,500 miles.
The new flight services are expected to start in late 2025 and will see up to 238 passengers across four travel classes.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “New types of aircraft make new things possible. That’s what makes today’s announcement so significant for the national carrier and for a country like Australia where air travel is crucial.
“These newer aircraft and engines will reduce emissions by at least 15 per cent if running on fossil fuels, and significantly better when run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel. This order brings us closer to our commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Project Sunrise will be carbon neutral from day one.
Swindon based Now Lets Travel owner Shaun Jones said “Many people will look to this new Qantas flight not just for the luxury the plane will offer but for the cut in travel time in flying direct.”
