Long-haul aviation history to be rewritten with 2027 inauguration of non-stop Sydney-London flight.
Spinning it Up:
Ok, mate, Qantas, Australia's flag bearer, has got some big plans brewing for their passengers! In the dead heat of 2027's Northern Hemisphere summer, they're launching Project Sunrise - a game-changer, with the world's longest non-stop flight between Sydney and London. Buckle up for a 20-hour journey spanning 17,015 km, plus two magnificent sunrises!
By the way, did you know that currently, the record's held by Singapore Airlines' Singapore-to-New York run, clocking in at around 18.5 hours for 15,300 km? Well, Qantas is gunning to take the crown!
But here's the kicker - to make sure everyone can ride in comfort, they're rolling out 12 new Airbus A350-1000 jets. Everything's been lightened up - seating capacity's been slashed to 238 to give everyone some legroom. Even the economy class will feel special, with a "wellness zone" offering exercise programs, hydration stations, and stretch handles between cabins.
Now, first-class travelers, you've got it made. Imagine sliding into an armchair that turns into a bed, with a private wardrobe, storage, and a 32-inch HD screen! And get this - you can control the lighting, temperature, and humidity with a tablet!
Business class isn't too shabby either. Each suite has 3ft 9in walls, a sliding door for privacy, and an 18-inch screen for entertainment. You'll have 25 inches of luxurious space to stretch out!
Premium economy passengers won't be left out of the fun. They'll enjoy 40 inches of seat pitch, winged headrests, calf rests, and a 13.3-inch screen.
In economy, the seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration, offering a 6-way adjustable headrest, a 33-inch pitch, and the same 13.3-inch entertainment screen as premium economy.
So, get ready to book those tickets, folks! Qantas is redefining long-haul flying!
*By the way, if you're curious about the specific configurations, here are some details:
- First Class: 6 luxurious cabins arranged in a 1-1-1 layout. You'll find entertainment on an 18-inch screen, storage in an upholstered glovebox and leather ottoman, and a shelf for drinks.
- Premium Economy: This cabin offers a "generous" 40-inch seat pitch, winged headrests, a calf rest, a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, three pockets for storing personal items, and USB-C ports for device charging.
- Economy: With a 3-3-3 seat layout, this class caters to the masses. You'll find a 6-way adjustable headrest, a 33-inch seat pitch, and the same 13.3-inch entertainment screen as premium economy.*
- The economy class on Qantas's new Airbus A350-1000 jets will feature a "wellness zone" offering exercise programs, hydration stations, and stretch handles between cabins, aiming to provide a comfortable travel experience in the dead heat of 2027's Northern Hemisphere summer.
- Qantas plans to redefine long-haul flying, as evidenced by their Project Sunrise, which will feature the world's longest non-stop flight between Sydney and London in 2027, spanning 17,015 km and offering two magnificent sunrises.
- As part of Qantas's new initiative, technology plays a significant role, with first-class travelers given the ability to control the lighting, temperature, and humidity with a tablet, offering an elevated travel experience.
- In addition to the budget-friendly economy class, Qantas's lifestyle improvements extend to premium economy and first-class cabins, with amenities including larger entertainment screens, personal storage, and adjustable seating arrangements, transforming the concept of long-haul travel.
