A specially-modified Airbus A350-1000 is set to host the longest flight in the world lasting 22 hours
Published on Jan 06, 2026 at 2:47 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Jan 06, 2026 at 5:37 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
This specially-modified Airbus A350-1000 is set to achieve something remarkable.
That is because it is about to host the longest flight in the world.
The program, being rolled out by Australia’s Qantas Airways, will be groundbreaking.
Because the flight in question will last 22 hours.
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Qantas might achieve the longest flight in the world
Qantas Airways is the national airline carrier of Australia.
Back in 2017, Qantas announced a truly remarkable, albeit ambitious, project.
It made the announcement of its intent to fly directly from Sydney to Europe and New York.
To that end, the airline challenged both Boeing and Airbus to come up with an airplane that could achieve something so groundbreaking.
This lofty program was given the codename ‘Project Sunrise.’
After much consideration, Qantas opted for the Airbus A350-1000.
In May of 2022, 12 of these aircraft were officially ordered.
So, what are the overall aims of Project Sunrise?
Well, the first – and most obvious – aim is to achieve history.
With a continuous flight time of 22 hours, Qantas would make Australia directly accessible from almost anywhere on the planet.
Currently, flights from Europe and America have to make stopovers on their way Down Under.
Removing that requirement would completely change the game for Australia.
Reducing point-to-point travel time has long been the aim for many global airlines.
Qantas believes these direct flights could reduce travel by up to four hours by eliminating stopovers during the course of travel.
And it looks like the Airbus A350-1000 could be the aircraft to achieve it.
The first of these Airbus aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in October of this year.
Said aircraft will operate routes from Sydney to London and New York.
The design of the Airbus A350-1000 will be very different
One of the most fascinating features of the project is the in-flight design of the aircraft itself.
Qantas believes that passengers are capable of enduring 20+ hours in economy seating.
This belief is due to scientific research carried out by the airline.
In 2019, Qantas began researching the passenger experience on flights of this length.
It conducted three test flights that operated from New York to Sydney.
Passengers were equipped with wearable devices to track movement, sleep, and light exposure.
Qantas shared these discoveries back in 2023 – and the results were surprising.
Participants noted less severe jet lag, as well as improved cognitive function and sleep.
The biggest new introduction is the Wellbeing Zone onboard these Qantas flights.
These areas are available to all passengers irrespective of class.
It is an area designed to allow passengers to move and stretch throughout the journey.
Beyond this area, the economy cabin features several upgrades, including the most generous legroom offered across the entire Qantas range.
Economy seating is set to provide 33 inches of leg space for all passengers.
Watch this space – because the Airbus A350-1000 might be about to change the aviation game forever.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
