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. This record-breaking journey marks a major milestone in aviation history and paves the way for ultra-long-haul travel under the airline’s ambitious Project Sunrise.
The specially adapted A350-1000ULR airliner, which boasts an extra fuel tank, remained airborne for 24 hours and 24 minutes, covering 23,075 km (14,338 miles). The route took it over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans without stopping before landing at the plane’s factory in Toulouse, south-west France. Tuesday’s flight is thought to beat the previous record of 22 hours and 42 minutes set by a Boeing 777-200LR in 2005 between Hong Kong and London.
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| Aspect | Previous Record (2005) | New Record (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Airline | Boeing 777-200LR | Airbus A350-1000ULR (Qantas) |
| Duration | 22 hours 42 minutes | 24 hours 24 minutes |
| Distance | ~21,600 km (est.) | 23,075 km |
| Route | Hong Kong to London (via Pacific) | Melbourne to Toulouse (via Pacific & Atlantic) |
Project Sunrise: The Future of Nonstop Australia–Europe Flights
Qantas has ordered 12 modified A350-1000ULR aircraft designed to connect Australia’s east coast with London and New York in about 20 hours. The first aircraft, carrying 20,000 additional litres of fuel and seating 238 passengers, is due for delivery in April 2027. Qantas expects to operate daily nonstop flights between Sydney and London from October 2027.
The services aim to turn what was once a five-day journey on the “Kangaroo Route” to London into a single flight lasting 19 to 21 hours, depending on routing and winds. This will significantly reduce travel time and improve passenger comfort.
Flight Tracking Record
Flight-tracking provider Flightradar24 reported that the trip was the second-most-tracked flight ever on its channels – behind a 2022 flight carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin – with more than 3.6 million people following its progress northwards via Canada. The surge in online tracking highlights public fascination with ultra-long-haul aviation.
- Record duration: 24 hours 24 minutes – longest commercial flight ever.
- Distance covered: 23,075 km (14,338 miles) nonstop.
- Future routes: Sydney to London and New York nonstop by 2027.
- Aircraft: Specially modified A350-1000ULR with extra fuel tanks.
- Passenger capacity: 238 seats in a premium configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How long was the Qantas record-breaking flight?
The flight lasted 24 hours and 24 minutes, covering 23,075 km from Melbourne to Toulouse. It is the longest commercial flight ever recorded.
What is Project Sunrise?
Project Sunrise is Qantas’s initiative to operate direct flights from Australia’s east coast to London and New York using modified A350-1000ULR aircraft, reducing travel time to around 20 hours. The first aircraft is expected in 2027.
How many people tracked the flight online?
More than 3.6 million people followed the flight on Flightradar24, making it the second-most-tracked flight ever behind the 2022 flight carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin.
Stay tuned to GrandGoldman for the latest updates on aviation records, business travel innovations, and the future of ultra-long-haul flights. With Qantas leading the way, the era of nonstop journeys between continents is closer than ever.
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