Qantas is aout to change the map of commercial air travel. Under its ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, the Australian carrier is preparing to launch nonstop flights from Sydney to New York and London—each of them expected to exceed 10,000 nautical miles and last up to 21 hours in the air. These flights, which will claim the title of longest commercial routes ever flown, are scheduled to begin in 2026, using specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft.
But what makes Project Sunrise notable isn’t just the distance—it’s the intent. Qantas aims to offer a full four-class experience, including First, Business, Premium Economy, and a redesigned Economy cabin, along with an in-flight wellness zone and circadian lighting to reduce jet lag. These flights will literally redefine the limits of human endurance in the sky—and passengers will pay accordingly.
Singapore Airlines: The Current Champion
Until Qantas takes the crown, the title of the world’s longest commercial flight still belongs to Singapore Airlines with its nonstop service between Singapore (SIN) and New York (JFK and EWR).
• Route: Singapore–New York
• Distance: 9,537 nautical miles (10,950 miles / 17,700 km)
• Flight time: Up to 18 hours, 50 minutes
This marathon route is operated by the Airbus A350-900ULR, but what’s most striking is its configuration: no economy seats at all. The cabin features only 67 Business Class and 94 Premium Economy seats—161 total passengers on a jet that could hold over 300.
Singapore Airlines made a bold economic choice: this flight caters exclusively to premium travelers. Fewer seats mean less weight, better fuel efficiency, and higher revenue per square foot. And passengers get what they pay for—spacious seating, upgraded meals, luxury amenities, and seamless ground service.
Dig Deep into the Pocketbook: Flying Premium Has Never Cost More
We’ve entered a new era in aviation—where the ability to fly far is matched only by the cost of flying well. Consider this:
Not long ago, you could buy a First Class “around-the-world” ticket for $6,700. That included multiple stopovers, first-class lounges, impeccable onboard service, and global flexibility.
Today, that same $6,700 may not even get you a single business class round trip from New York to Singapore. And an actual first-class “RTW” itinerary? You’ll likely need $25,000–$40,000.
Current Premium Fare Benchmarks (Round Trip):
• Singapore Airlines Business Class (SIN–NYC): $6,000–$9,500
• Singapore Airlines Premium Economy (SIN–NYC): $2,200–$3,800
• Qantas Project Sunrise (Expected):
• First Class: $10,000–$20,000
• Business Class: $6,500–$11,000
• Premium Economy: $2,500–$4,000
• Economy: $1,400–$2,200
• Emirates First Class (NY–DXB): $9,000–$13,000
• United Polaris (SFO–SIN): $4,000–$6,500
• Cathay Pacific Business (HKG–NYC): $5,000–$8,000
Longest Commercial Flights (By Distance):
Rank, Route, Airline, Distance (nm) ,Time (hrs)
1 - Singapore – New York (JFK/EWR), Singapore Airlines, 9,537 nm, ~18h 50m
2 - Perth – London, Qantas, 7,829 nm, ~17h 30m,
3 - Dallas – Melbourne, Qantas, 8,992 nm, ~17h 30m
4 - Auckland – Dubai, Emirates, 7,668 nm, ~17h 10m
5 - Los Angeles – Singapore, Singapore Airlines, 7,621 nm ,~17h 50m
With Qantas’ Sydney–London and Sydney–New York expected to reach 10,250–10,500 nautical miles, the future of ultra-long-haul flying is expanding—fast.
A New Class Divide in the Sky
This shift isn’t just about distance—it’s about how travel is stratifying. While economy passengers face tighter seats, limited services, and a la carte fees, premium travelers enjoy multi-course meals, luxury bedding, private pods, and VIP lounges.
Even premium economy, once seen as an affordable upgrade, now commands $2,000–$4,000 round trip—what used to be the cost of business class just a decade ago.
Final Thoughts
What used to cost $6,700 for an entire round-the-world first-class journey now barely covers a single ultra-long-haul leg. Today’s skies are not just defined by distance—they’re shaped by access, luxury, and the willingness to pay for the privilege of skipping layovers and sleeping at 35,000 feet.
As Qantas prepares to push aviation to its physical and economic limits, and Singapore Airlines continues to perfect the model of premium endurance, one thing is certain:
The future of flight is faster, farther, and more expensive than ever before.
Please note that many of the fares mentioned above are approximate and subject to change. Some may be in effect now, while others may not be available year-round. Always check with your trusted travel advisor to confirm the lowest applicable fare based on your travel dates, destination, and class of service. Seasonality, route demand, and promotional inventory can significantly affect pricing—so expert guidance remains more valuable than ever.
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