Qantas testing world’s longest flight

Qantas is testing three non-stop flights from New York and London to Sydney using new Boeing 787-9 aircraft to study how passengers and crew cope with what would be the world’s longest commercial flight


BOEING 787-9 DREAMLINER: Long-haul jet carries up to 236 passengers

“Raked” wingtips: Increase aerodynamic efficiency of wing

Engines: Two GEnx-1B turbofans. Nacelles feature noise-reducing chevrons

Airframe: Composite construction reduces weight and fuel burn

Range: 14,500km

Fuel tank capacity 126,000 litres

Cabin width 5.49m

Length 63m

Wingspan 60m


Test flights (Qantas targeting regular non-stop service by 2022)
 
London 1 flight 
New York 2 flights
Singapore
Sydney

20hrs 20min*
18hrs 45min
19hrs 8min*

*Timings approximate

Current longest non-stop commercial flight


Seattle, U.S.
Planes will fly from Boeing factory to New York and London first, then direct
to Sydney from there. 
Test flights will have up to 40 people on board – mainly Qantas staff – and less luggage than usual to extend range of 787-9


Sources: Boeing, Karl L. Swartz / Great Circle Mapper, Qantas
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