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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsJuly 30, 2026United States

Qantas Prepares for World's Longest Nonstop Flights

Qantas has completed test flights for a new 22-hour nonstop service between Sydney and London using specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. The airline plans to launch this route and a future Sydney-to-New York service by fall 2027.

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Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

Why It Matters

The introduction of these flights will reduce travel time between Sydney and London by approximately four hours and establish the first nonstop commercial service between Australia and the U.S. East Coast.

Key Facts

  • Qantas completed a 24-hour test flight between Melbourne and Toulouse.
  • The Airbus A350-1000ULR is equipped with a 20,000-liter auxiliary fuel tank to enable 22-hour flight times.
  • Qantas intends to purchase 12 of the A350-1000ULR aircraft.
  • Each aircraft will feature 238 seats configured across four cabins.
  • The new Sydney-to-London route is expected to reduce travel time by four hours.
  • Nonstop service between Sydney and New York is planned following the London route launch.
  • The Sydney-to-London route is scheduled to launch in fall 2027.
  • The recent test flight was conducted by four flight-test pilots and five flight-test engineers.

Who's Mentioned

organizationAirbus“The manufacturer of the A350-1000ULR aircraft used for the test flights.”organizationQantas“The airline operating the test flights and planning the new routes.”locationMelbourne“Origin point for the recent test flight.”locationSydney“Origin point for the planned London and New York routes.”locationToulouse“Destination for the recent test flight.”locationLondon“Destination for the planned 22-hour nonstop route.”locationNew York“Planned destination for future nonstop service from Sydney.”