The specially adapted Airbus A350-1000ULR flew 23,075 kilometers from Melbourne to Toulouse as more than 3.6 million people followed online, marking a major step toward direct 20-hour flights from Sydney to London and New YorkMore than a full day in the air: An Airbus jet being developed for Qantas completed a marathon test flight lasting 24 hours and 24 minutes, covering 23,075 kilometers nonstop from Melbourne, Australia, to Toulouse, France.The flight, followed live by more than 3.6 million people, marked a major milestone in the Australian airline’s ambitious Project Sunrise, which is intended to introduce direct flights of about 20 hours from Sydney to London and later New York.GalleryThe Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR that remained airborne for more than 24 hours (Photo: William WEST / AFP)The specially adapted Airbus A350-1000ULR flew across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans before landing at Airbus’ manufacturing base in Toulouse.The aircraft has been modified for exceptionally long flights, most notably through the installation of an additional fuel tank. Airbus has been conducting a two-month flight-test campaign since the jet made its first flight in June. The marathon journey generated extraordinary interest among aviation enthusiasts around the world. According to flight-tracking service Flightradar24, 3,652,947 people followed the aircraft as it traveled northeast across the Pacific, passed over North America and Canada and then crossed the Atlantic toward Europe. That made it the second-most-followed flight in the platform’s history, behind only the 2022 flight carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II.The excitement on the flight-tracking site (Photo: flightradar24)The test aircraft had flown in the opposite direction several days earlier, completing a 19-hour and 12-minute journey from Toulouse to Melbourne. For comparison, a Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner completed a 21,601.7-kilometer flight from Hong Kong to London in 2005, remaining in the air for 22 hours and 42 minutes.Qantas has ordered 12 specially configured A350-1000ULR aircraft, intended to connect Australia’s east coast with London and New York on flights lasting approximately 20 hours.The plan would transform the historic Kangaroo Route to London, a journey that once took about five days and required several stops, into a single nonstop flight lasting between 19 and 21 hours, depending on the route and winds.When the aircraft enter commercial service, they will look significantly different from standard passenger jets. Despite the A350-1000’s size, each Qantas aircraft will carry only 238 passengers. The lower-density configuration will include six first-class suites, 52 business-class suites, 40 premium-economy seats and 140 economy seats.Each jet will also include a dedicated Wellbeing Zone where passengers can stand, stretch and move during the long hours in the air. Cabin lighting will simulate sunrises and sunsets, while meals and lighting schedules will be coordinated with sleep research intended to reduce fatigue and jet lag.The aircraft’s additional rear fuel tank will carry about 20,000 liters of extra fuel, enabling flights lasting as long as 22 hours.The first aircraft in the new fleet is expected to be delivered to Qantas in April 2027. Daily nonstop service between Sydney and London is scheduled to begin in October 2027, with flights expected to last between 19 and 21 hours depending on the route and prevailing winds.Qantas says the direct service will save passengers about four hours compared with the current journey, which typically includes a stop in Singapore. The airline plans to follow the London launch with nonstop service between Sydney and New York.