Qantas Sets Record: 24-Hour Flight Melbourne to Toulouse | Project Sunrise

Qantas and Airbus Shatter Longest Commercial Flight Record

Qantas has completed the longest commercial flight in aviation history, flying a specially adapted Airbus A350-1000ULR from Melbourne, Australia to Toulouse, France in 24 hours and 24 minutes. The record-breaking test flight, part of Qantas's ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, covered 23,075 kilometers (14,338 miles) without refueling, surpassing the previous record of 22 hours and 42 minutes set by a Boeing 777-200LR in 2005.

The aircraft, a modified A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range), departed Melbourne on July 27 and landed in Toulouse on July 28, 2026. The flight was tracked by millions on Flightradar24, becoming the second-most-tracked flight in the platform's history, surpassed only by the flight carrying Queen Elizabeth II's remains in 2022. Over 3.6 million people followed the journey online.

What is Project Sunrise?

Project Sunrise is Qantas's long-standing initiative to operate non-stop commercial flights from Australia's east coast to destinations in Europe and North America. Named after the famous 'Double Sunrise' flights Qantas operated during World War II using Catalina flying boats, the modern Project Sunrise aims to connect Sydney directly to London and New York — journeys of up to 22 hours.

Qantas has ordered 12 specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft for these routes. Each aircraft features an additional 20,000-liter fuel tank, bringing total fuel capacity to over 188,000 liters. The first delivery, named 'Vega', is expected in April 2027, with commercial services from Sydney to London slated to begin in October 2027. Tickets are expected to go on sale in February 2027.

Inside the A350-1000ULR: A Cabin Designed for 22 Hours

The Qantas A350-1000ULR will feature just 238 seats — the lowest density of any A350 variant — to maximize passenger comfort on ultra-long-haul flights. The four-class configuration includes:

• First Class: 6 fully enclosed suites with 80-inch lie-flat beds, reclining armchairs, and circadian rhythm lighting.
• Business Class: 52 suites with sliding privacy doors and direct aisle access.
• Premium Economy: 40 seats at 40-inch pitch with 13.3-inch screens.
• Economy: 140 seats in a 3-3-3 layout.

A unique 'Wellbeing Zone' between premium economy and economy will feature stretch handles, guided movement screens, and a hydration station — the first dedicated wellness space on any airline. The aircraft also offers Panasonic Astrova IFE, Bluetooth audio, USB-C fast charging, and Viasat free WiFi across all cabins.

This premium-heavy layout, with over 40% of seats in premium cabins, helps offset the high fuel costs of operating such long flights. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson confirmed fares will carry roughly a 20% premium over stopover alternatives.

The Record-Breaking Test Flight

The A350-1000ULR test aircraft (registration F-WULR) first flew from Toulouse to Melbourne on July 23 in 19 hours and 13 minutes. The return leg from Melbourne to Toulouse on July 27-28 took the longer route eastward across the Pacific Ocean, over North America, and across the Atlantic, covering 23,075.92 km in 24 hours and 24 minutes.

Airbus test pilot Xavier Pepin was at the controls for the historic flight. The aircraft carried Qantas guest pilots as part of the certification process. The test validated the aircraft's performance, fuel efficiency, and systems for ultra-long-range operations.

The previous record of 22 hours and 42 minutes was held by a Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner, which flew 21,601 km from Hong Kong to London via the United States in 2005. The longest commercial flight routes have been dominated by Middle Eastern carriers in recent years, with Singapore Airlines currently operating the longest scheduled flight at nearly 19 hours from Singapore to New York.

Impact on Aviation and Travel

Project Sunrise represents a paradigm shift in long-haul travel. Currently, flights from Australia's east coast to Europe require at least one stop, typically in Singapore, Dubai, or Doha. Non-stop service will save passengers up to four hours of travel time compared to one-stop itineraries.

The flights pose a potential threat to Middle Eastern and Asian transit hubs that rely on stopover traffic. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines could see reduced demand on connecting routes as passengers opt for direct services.

However, Qantas faces operational challenges. The airline must manage crew fatigue with extended duty hours, optimize fuel loading for varying weather conditions, and ensure passenger comfort over 22 hours. The future of ultra-long-haul aviation depends on solving these challenges while maintaining profitability.

Qantas already operates non-stop flights from Perth to London using Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a route launched in 2018 that marked the first direct connection between Australia and Europe. Project Sunrise extends this capability to Australia's eastern seaboard, where the majority of the population lives.

FAQ

What is the longest commercial flight ever recorded?

The longest commercial flight is the Qantas/Airbus A350-1000ULR test flight from Melbourne to Toulouse on July 27-28, 2026, lasting 24 hours and 24 minutes over 23,075 km. The longest scheduled commercial flight is Singapore Airlines Flight SQ24 from Singapore to New York JFK, covering about 15,350 km in approximately 18 hours and 50 minutes.

When will Qantas start non-stop Sydney-London flights?

Qantas plans to begin non-stop Sydney-London services in October 2027 as part of Project Sunrise. Tickets are expected to go on sale in February 2027. The airline will use its new Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft for these flights.

How many passengers can the A350-1000ULR carry?

The Qantas A350-1000ULR will carry just 238 passengers across four classes: 6 in First, 52 in Business, 40 in Premium Economy, and 140 in Economy. This is roughly half the capacity of a standard A350-1000, which can carry up to 410 passengers.

How much will a ticket on Project Sunrise cost?

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has stated that fares will carry roughly a 20% premium over current one-stop options. Exact pricing has not been announced, but tickets for the Sydney-London route are expected to be priced at a premium due to the ultra-long-range capability and premium-heavy cabin configuration.

What is the 'Wellbeing Zone' on the Qantas A350?

The Wellbeing Zone is a dedicated space between premium economy and economy on the Qantas A350-1000ULR. It features stretch handles, guided movement screens, and a hydration station, allowing passengers to exercise and hydrate during the 22-hour flight. It is the first such dedicated wellness space on any commercial aircraft.

What other routes will Project Sunrise cover?

In addition to Sydney-London, Qantas plans to launch non-stop Sydney-New York JFK services by the end of 2027. Melbourne non-stop flights to London and New York were previously considered but are now less likely, though they remain possible with additional aircraft deliveries.

Sources

• The Guardian: Qantas plane flies for more than 24 hours in record-breaking flight
• Simple Flying: Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR Nonstop Melbourne-Toulouse Test Flight
• Executive Traveller: Qantas non-stop Sydney-London flights
• Flightradar24 Blog: Airbus makes history with the A350-1000ULR
• Airbus: Extending the horizon: Inside the A350-1000ULR's longest development flight