Qantas Is Redefining Long-Haul Luxury With 22-Hour Nonstop Flights
“Project Sunrise” promises to turn the world’s longest flight into a wellness retreat at 40,000 feet.
By TIM ROBERTSON
November 10, 2025 – 4:33 PM PDT
For most travelers, the idea of spending 22 hours on a plane sounds like the ultimate endurance test. But Qantas Airways is betting that with the right design, lighting, food, and space, those 22 hours could actually feel… enjoyable.
The airline’s bold new initiative, Project Sunrise, aims to connect Sydney directly with New York and London — no layovers, no stopovers, just one seamless journey halfway around the world.
Launching in 2027, these flights aboard the Airbus A350-1000ULR will be the longest commercial routes ever flown, marking a new chapter in luxury and wellness-focused air travel.
What Is Project Sunrise?
Project Sunrise takes its name from a legendary World War II mission when Qantas pilots flew marathon routes so long they saw two sunrises. The modern version keeps that spirit of endurance — but swaps military grit for modern luxury.
Each A350 will carry just 238 passengers, about 40% fewer than typical long-haul configurations, allowing more space per traveler and a focus on comfort, privacy, and wellbeing.
Inside Qantas’s New Cabins
First Class: Boutique Hotels in the Sky
At the very front are six First Suites, designed as “mini boutique hotels.” Each offers:
- A fixed bed and a separate recliner lounge chair
- A 32-inch ultra-high-definition TV
- A fold-out dining table for two
- Personal wardrobe and ample storage
- Sliding privacy doors
Business Class: Smart Comfort and Space
The 52 Business Suites feature:
- Fully flat, two-meter-long beds
- Leather ottomans and personal storage
- 18-inch touchscreens
- Wireless charging and multiple outlets
- High walls and sliding doors for privacy
Even premium economy and economy passengers can expect thoughtful touches: free high-speed Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and a dedicated Wellbeing Zone mid-cabin for stretching and hydration breaks.
The Science Behind the Comfort
To make 22 hours in the air actually restorative, Qantas partnered with University of Sydney sleep and health scientists to fine-tune everything from lighting and movement schedules to meal timing and cabin design.
Designer David Caon says every detail was shaped around the human body’s needs.
“All the design and service elements work together to improve inflight comfort and minimize jetlag,” Caon said.
The result? A cabin experience that doesn’t just help you survive long-haul travel — it helps your body adapt to it.
Turning Duration Into Luxury
From a marketing standpoint, Qantas is flipping a long-standing pain point — time — into a premium feature.
By eliminating connections and reducing seats, Qantas is making the longest flight in the world also one of the most exclusive. Think of it as the modern-day Concorde effect: fewer seats, higher prices, and a deeper sense of privilege.
Instead of “Can you handle 22 hours in a plane?” the message becomes:
“Are you among the few who can experience it?”
A New Kind of Travel: The 40,000-Foot Wellness Retreat
Project Sunrise may be the world’s longest flight, but it’s also trying to become the most rejuvenating.
By blending design, science, and psychology, Qantas is redefining ultra-long-haul travel as a kind of airborne wellness retreat — a journey where time is spent regenerating rather than enduring.
If the airline succeeds, passengers might just step off that 22-hour flight not only ahead in time zones, but ahead in how they feel.
Why It Matters for Travelers
- No more layovers: Direct routes from Australia to the U.S. and U.K. mean less time in transit and fewer travel headaches.
- Wellness-first flying: Designed with sleep, movement, and nutrition in mind.
- Exclusive experience: Limited seating, premium amenities, and high comfort standards.
- Tech upgrades: Free Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio, and wireless charging in every class.
Final Takeaway
Qantas isn’t simply trying to set records. It’s reinventing what flying can be — from a test of endurance into a state of flow.
As air travel enters its next chapter, Project Sunrise could make 22 hours in the air feel less like confinement — and more like transformation.
TIM ROBERTSON
Robertson is an age-group triathlete based in San Diego and is a national contributor for AWE specializing in culture and travel.
