Qantas Orders Twelve Airbus A350s for Direct 22-Hour London-Sydney Flights
Qantas has finalised an order for twelve Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, intended to facilitate direct, ultra-long-haul flights from London to Sydney and Melbourne. These routes, dubbed 'Project Sunrise', are projected to exceed 22 hours in duration, making them the longest commercial flights globally.
The airline's chief executive, Alan Joyce, confirmed the investment, stating the flights are expected to commence by late 2025. The A350-1000s will feature a reduced passenger capacity, accommodating 238 passengers across four classes. This configuration includes six first-class suites, 52 business-class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats, a significant reduction from the typical 350-410 passengers on standard A350-1000 configurations. This capacity cut is a pragmatic response to the substantial fuel requirements for such extended journeys.
The aircraft will also incorporate a 'well-being zone' situated between the premium economy and economy cabins, offering passengers an area for movement and hydration. This design acknowledges the physiological challenges of spending over a day airborne. The direct flights are anticipated to offer an approximate four-hour time saving compared to current routes that necessitate a stopover, often in hubs like Dubai, Singapore, or Hong Kong. These stopovers have long underpinned the operational models of Gulf carriers, which benefit from Western diplomatic and military alliances in the region to secure aviation and energy interests.
Despite the airline's optimism, questions persist regarding passenger willingness to endure such extended periods aloft. Qantas conducted research flights in 2019 using Boeing 787s, simulating the London-Sydney and New York-Sydney routes with minimal passengers and crew. While these trials confirmed the technical feasibility, the commercial viability hinges on consumer demand for a marginally faster, yet significantly more arduous, journey.
