See Qantas' new cabin suites on what will be the world's longest nonstop flights journeying up to 21 hours
Qantas
- Australian flag carrier Qantas is planning to launch the world's new longest flights in late 2025.
- The routes will connect Sydney to New York and London, the latter covering over 10,000 miles.
Singapore Airlines currently operates the world's longest flight, journeying 9,537 miles between Singapore and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR business class on the world's longest flight. Sorbis/Shutterstock
But, the record-breaking trek will be dethroned as the world's new longest flights hope to connect two corners of the globe nonstop.
Qantas Airbus A350-1000 demonstration flight over Sydney. Airgbus
Beginning in late 2025, Australian flag carrier Qantas will fly between Sydney and New York and London, covering 9,950 and 10,573 miles, respectively.
Airbus
Source: Airline Weekly
The routes will be powered by 12 Airbus A350-1000 ultra-long-haul aircraft equipped with Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which are compatible with sustainable aviation fuel and improve efficiency.
Airbus
Source: Rolls-Royce
The ambitious routes may not be for everyone as some travelers may prefer to have a stop in places like San Francisco, Singapore, or Dubai on their way across the world.
Changi International Airport in Singapore has myriad things to do on a long layover, including exploring Jewel (pictured), seeing a free movie, or swimming in the pool. Taylor Rains/Insider
But, for those willing to trek up to 21 hours in the sky and pay up for comfort, Qantas has unveiled innovative first and business class suites to keep passengers relaxed onboard.
The routes were initially planned for 2022 or 2023, but were delayed due to the pandemic. Qantas
The carrier said it has been working on the cabin for five years in partnership with Airbus. While the A350-1000 can carry up to 410 travelers in three classes or up to 440 in an all-economy configuration...
Qatar Airways A350-1000 cabin, which has business and economy options. David Ibekwe/Insider
…Qantas has opted for just 238 seats across four cabins, including economy, premium economy, business, and first.
Qantas
In business class, the airline has configured the cabin in a 1x2x1 layout with 52 seats.
Qantas
Source: Qantas
Passengers will find a plethora of luxury amenities, including a fully-enclosed privacy door…
Qantas
Source: Qantas
Fliers in the middle seats can use a divider for added privacy, meaning every business class seat can be fully cocooned.
Qantas
Source: Qantas
Meanwhile, first class has even more luxuries. Configured with six suites in a 1x1x1 layout, travelers get an enclosed pod with a reclining lounger…
Qantas
Source: Qantas
…a separate twin bed, offering space to work and rest…
The bed's backrest adjusts, meaning people can comfortably sit up and have breakfast in bed. Qantas
Source: Qantas
…and six storage areas, including in the arm rest, under the ottoman, and next to the TV screen.
Qantas
Source: Qantas
The suite's design allows for two people to sit inside at one time and have a meeting or dine together.
Qantas
Source: Qantas
This design is similar to a handful of other carriers. Qatar Airways and German budget carrier Condor also offer multi-seating premium products.
Condor representatives sitting in the window-side Prime Seat, where travelers can meet or dine in the dual-seating arrangement. Natt McFee/Condor Airlines
According to Qantas, the A350-1000 suites will offer 50% more space compared to those on its Airbus A380s…
Qantas Airbus A380 refurbished first class. Qantas
Source: Qantas
…and the cabin also has a "tailored lighting program that will influence mood and sleep patterns."
The twin bed in first class. Qantas
Source: Qantas
While most people would likely prefer to travel in first or business, the nonstop flights will also offer 40 premium economy seats and 140 seats in regular economy.
Qantas Airbus A380 economy cabin. Qantas
Source: Qantas
Qantas hasn't released renderings for those options, but said all passengers will have access to high-speed WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity, and a "wellbeing zone," which will serve premium drinks and offer space for passengers to stretch their legs.
Qantas A350-1000 business class premium drinks rendering. Qantas
Source: Qantas
While the inaugural passenger flights are still years away, Qantas conducted three test runs in 2019 to monitor human health while airborne for so many hours.
Waiting for the Sydney to New York flight in 2019. David Slotnick/Insider
Insider was on one of the flights, which used a Boeing 787-9 jet and assessed pilots, flight attendants, and passengers.
Insider was seated in 11E. David Slotnick/Insider
Pilots had their urine tested before, during, and after the flight to track melatonin levels, and also wore brain, light, and activity monitors.
One of the sample collected onboard. David Slotnick/Insider
Passenger health was also tracked through activity monitors and a reaction test on an iPad.
The activity band worn by passengers. David Slotnick/Insider
The study helped Qantas — and Australian regulators — understand the impact of specific lighting, meals, and inflight entertainment on human health and body clocks.
One of the meals served onboard the test flight: chicken breast with Spanish rice, kale, tomatillo sauce, and pepita salsa. David Slotnick/Insider
"All the design and service elements will work together to significantly improve inflight comfort, convenience and health, and wellbeing and help minimize the old nemesis of jet lag," Australian designer David Caon, who helped craft the seat, said in a press release.
Qantas
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