The first-class suite on Qantas’ ultra-long-range A350-1000.
Courtesy: Qantas
Long flights are experiencing a revival, indicating that airlines are optimistic about the recovery of international travel post-Covid.
Qantas has recently launched a service between New York and Sydney, with a stop in Auckland, New Zealand, using Boeing 787 Dreamliners instead of the previous stop in Los Angeles. However, the airline is now focusing on even longer routes, offering nonstop flights from Sydney to New York and London that could take approximately 20 hours.
The CEO of Qantas, Alan Joyce, highlighted the benefits of these nonstop flights, such as the convenience of not having to transfer flights or risk misconnections. Qantas estimates that these routes could save travelers over three hours compared to flights with layovers.
Qantas has collaborated with sleep scientists for eight years to minimize the effects of jet lag on super-long flights. They have utilized strategies such as delaying meal service and keeping passengers awake longer with cabin lights. These measures have been tested and proven effective in reducing jet lag symptoms.
The airline plans to operate the new nonstop flights using ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000 planes starting in late 2025. These planes will have a seating capacity of 238 passengers, providing more spacious seating and accounting for weight and range limitations.
Qantas has already ordered 12 of these special planes, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to long-haul travel from Australia.
The planes will offer six enclosed, first-class suites with various amenities, including a table for two, a reclining chair, a 32-inch touch-screen television, and a 2-meter flatbed. Additionally, there will be 52 business-class suites with lie-flat beds, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 seats in economy class. The planes will also feature a “Wellbeing Zone” with stretching handles, on-screen exercise guides, refreshments, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
According to Joyce, Qantas’ international capacity has already reached 85% of pre-pandemic levels, and they expect a full recovery by March next year.
Passengers onboard QF7879 participating in exercise classes during the direct flight from London to Sydney on November 15, 2019, in Sydney, Australia.
James D. Morgan | Getty Images
However, ultra-long-haul flights face challenges beyond technical feasibility.
Robert Mann, an airline industry analyst and former airline executive, explains the economic feasibility aspect. While it is possible to operate ultra-long-haul flights with more efficient engines and aircraft, the profitability of such flights is a key consideration.
For instance, Singapore Airlines previously operated a nonstop flight from Newark to Singapore, targeting business travelers and customers seeking to avoid layovers. The flight was initially discontinued in 2013 due to the use of fuel-inefficient four-engine aircraft. However, it was later reintroduced in 2018 with a mix of business-class and premium-economy seats. Currently, Singapore Airlines offers the world’s longest flight from New York to Singapore.
Here is a list of the world’s longest flights by distance, according to airline data firm OAG:
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