Qantas plans a 22-hour London-Sydney nonstop flight, set for October next year

Qantas plans the world's longest direct flight, a London to Sydney service that can last up to 22 hours. The Sydney-based carrier unveiled the first of its specially modified Airbus A350-1000 jets that will regularly cover the 17,015-kilometer (10,573-mile) route from October next year. Flights are expected to range between 19 and 22 hours, depending on wind and routing. The A350-1000ULR configuration will carry 238 passengers, with 140 seated in economy, and a Wellbeing Zone to stretch legs between segments. Qantas says direct London–Sydney services will save up to four hours compared with itineraries that stop in Singapore, and tickets will be priced higher when they go on sale in February. Singapore Airlines currently operates the longest non-stop route to New York, at about 15,349 kilometers. Petersen of AirlineRatings notes the economy cabin will offer more legroom and the Wellbeing Zone, but she cautions that 22 hours in economy can be daunting; two shorter flights may be a safer option. The direct flight relies on premium passengers for profitability, and the aircraft carries an extra 20,000 liters of fuel to reach the route’s demands.