Qantas Airways announced on 12/4 that the first aircraft under "Project Sunrise," which aims to establish new luxury aviation standards, is expected to begin test flights soon. This ambitious project will directly connect Sydney, Australia, with New York, US, on the world's longest journey, lasting 22 hours.
"Project Sunrise" draws inspiration from the airline's legendary "Double Sunrise" flights during World War II, where passengers experienced the unique phenomenon of watching the sunrise twice on a single journey.
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First class cabin. Photo: Qantas |
The first Airbus A350-1000ULR left the factory in Toulouse, France, this week. Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, it has begun its final ground checks before two months of test flights. From 2027, the fleet will for the first time transport Qantas Airways passengers directly from Sydney to New York City, covering a distance of approximately 16,000 km.
Project Sunrise is expected to surpass Xiamen Air's 19-hour and 20-minute flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, US, to Fuzhou Changle International Airport in Fujian, China, to become the world's longest direct flight. Previously, this record was held by Singapore Airlines with an 18-hour and 45-minute journey from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Changi International Airport in Singapore.
Qantas states that the 22-hour flight from Australia's east coast to the US east coast, as well as to London, is made possible by an additional 20,000-liter (approximately 5,238 gallon) central fuel tank in the rear, along with upgraded systems. According to a recent announcement, the aircraft also features numerous premium amenities, designed to ensure passenger comfort and wellbeing on ultra-long-haul flights.
With a capacity of 238 passengers, the aircraft cabin includes: 6 first class suites, 52 business class suites, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats. The aircraft also features a wellbeing zone located between the economy and premium economy cabins, serving as a communal space for all passengers to socialize, relax, and self-serve food and beverages.
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Business class. Photo: Qantas
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Premium economy class. Photo: Qantas
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Economy class. Photo: Qantas
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Wellbeing Zone. Photo: Qantas
The 6 first class suites feature advanced materials to deliver a luxurious experience. Each suite offers a separate lie-flat bed and recliner seat, along with a flexible dining and workspace for one to two people. Other amenities include a wardrobe, personal storage areas, and entertainment options.
Business class suites feature private screens 120 cm high and, for the first time, are equipped with sliding doors and adjustable dividers between seats, maximizing personal space. Amenities include an 18-inch entertainment screen with bluetooth connectivity, leather seats that can be raised for additional storage, and designer lighting.
Both premium economy and economy classes are also modernly equipped, featuring individual storage compartments, entertainment screens, convenient footrests, USB charging ports, and personal item shelves.
Tam Anh
(according to
NYPost)
