Qantas completed what is believed to be the longest-ever commercial flight when its Airbus jet landed in Toulouse on Tuesday after a flight from Melbourne lasting 24 hours and 24 minutes, according to Airbus. The record-breaking journey forms part of Project Sunrise, an airline initiative aimed at launching non-stop routes from Australia to London using modified Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft.
Project Sunrise and the Record Melbourne-to-Toulouse Flight
The specially adapted Airbus A350-1000ULR remained airborne for 24 hours and 24 minutes, covering 23,075 kilometers (14,338 miles) over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans without stopping. According to Airbus, the aircraft landed directly at the manufacturer’s factory in south-west France following the marathon test run. Tuesday’s route eclipsed the previous commercial record of 22 hours and 42 minutes, set by a Boeing 777-200LR flying from Hong Kong to London via the Pacific in 2005.
Before this flight, Airbus conducted a two-month test campaign on the aircraft starting in June. In a separate test conducted just prior, the same plane flew from Toulouse to Melbourne via the Indian Ocean in just over 19 hours, according to flight data.
Did you know? Flight-tracking provider Flightradar24 reported that the Melbourne-to-Toulouse endurance run was the second-most-tracked flight ever on its channels. More than 3.6 million people monitored the aircraft’s northward progress via Canada, trailing only a 2022 flight carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin.
Future Commercial Routes and Aircraft Specifications
Qantas has ordered 12 modified A350-1000ULR aircraft to connect Australia’s east coast with global hubs like London and New York in approximately 20 hours. These upcoming services aim to transform the traditional five-day “Kangaroo Route” to London into a single journey lasting between 19 and 21 hours, depending on routing and prevailing winds.
According to Qantas specifications, the first delivery is scheduled for April 2027. The airliner features an extra fuel tank holding 20,000 liters and is configured to seat 238 passengers. The carrier plans to debut the aircraft on the non-stop Sydney-London route, with daily services expected to begin in October 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was the record-breaking Qantas flight?
The flight lasted 24 hours and 24 minutes, covering 23,075 kilometers (14,338 miles) non-stop from Melbourne to Toulouse.
What aircraft did Qantas use for Project Sunrise?
Qantas used a specially adapted Airbus A350-1000ULR equipped with an extra fuel tank.
When will non-stop flights from Sydney to London start?
Qantas expects to operate daily non-stop flights between Sydney and London starting in October 2027, following the delivery of its first modified A350 in April 2027.
What was the previous commercial flight duration record?
The previous record stood at 22 hours and 42 minutes, set by a Boeing 777-200LR flying from Hong Kong to London in 2005.
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