Qantas rewrites aviation history with record 24-hour non-stop flight

Australia's Qantas Airways has set a new benchmark in aviation by completing the world's longest non-stop test flight, with a specially configured aircraft remaining airborne for 24 hours and 25 minutes between Melbourne and Toulouse, France.

The historic flight forms part of Project Sunrise, Qantas' ambitious programme aimed at launching the world's longest commercial non-stop passenger services in the coming years using the Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range).

According to flight-tracking platform Flightradar24, the record-breaking journey attracted the attention of nearly 3.6 million online viewers, making it the second most-tracked flight in the platform's history. Only the Royal Air Force flight carrying Queen Elizabeth II's coffin in 2022 drew a larger global audience.

The test programme began on July 23, when the aircraft flew from Toulouse to Melbourne in 19 hours and 13 minutes. It then departed Melbourne on July 27, completing the return journey to Toulouse after 24 hours and 25 minutes of uninterrupted flight on July 28.

During the mission, the aircraft covered approximately 12,460 nautical miles, following a route across the Pacific Ocean, North America and the Atlantic Ocean.

The specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR features an additional 20,900-litre fuel tank to extend its range, along with dedicated twin flight crew rest compartments designed for ultra-long-haul operations.

The return flight carried three Airbus test pilots, five engineers, and two Qantas pilots. Flight crews operated in four-hour shifts, with personnel rotated every two hours to ensure seamless handovers and maintain operational safety throughout the mission.

Qantas plans to launch non-stop commercial flights between Sydney and London, and Sydney and New York, under Project Sunrise from 2027. The airline has already ordered 12 Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, with bookings for the landmark services expected to open in February next year.

Currently, Singapore Airlines operates the world's longest commercial non-stop service, with flight times of around 18 to 19 hours. Qantas aims to surpass that milestone with flights lasting up to 21 hours and 40 minutes, accommodating 238 passengers, with a significant proportion of seats allocated to First Class, Business Class and Premium Economy.