Two sunrises, two sunsets and 14,388 miles: Extraordinary flight that stayed in the air for an entire day officially named as world's longest-ever plane journey

Published: 09:59 EST, 11 November 2026 | Updated: 09:59 EST, 11 November 2026 The Airbus A350-1000ULR has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest flight by distance by a commercial airliner. The mission was undertaken as part of the flight test campaign for the model, which is being developed for Qantas Airways under Project Sunrise. For this project, next year Qantas will launch the world's two longest-ever direct commercial flights from Sydney to London (10,573 miles) and Sydney to New York City (10,100 miles).Both will last a mind-blowing 22 hours and are likely to change the way we fly for ever – bringing long-distance journeys without stopovers into the mainstream. They will slice four hours off current journeys that require refuelling stops.After take-off from Melbourne the aircraft flew over Sydney before heading out over the Pacific towards Los Angeles, crossing the international date line en route. The Airbus A350-1000ULR is officially the longest flight by distance by a commercial airliner It is being developed for Qantas Airways under Project SunriseIt then flew across the North American continent and over the Atlantic before heading south towards the UK, flying over London and on to Toulouse. As the aircraft crossed three continents and two oceans, the crew witnessed two sunsets and two sunrises. The flight covered a distance of 12,503 nautical miles (equivalent to 23,155km or 14,388 miles), with a flight time of 24 hours and 24 minutes.A total of 13 people were on board the aircraft. These included a flight crew of three Airbus flight test pilots, two pilots from Qantas and five Airbus flight test engineers. Two Airbus design engineers were also on board, plus a representative of the International Aeronautical Federation.'This achievement reflects the pioneering and innovative spirit that is part of our DNA at Airbus. In responding to the challenge laid down by Qantas, our teams came together to extend the range of the A350-1000 in an efficient and economically viable way to undertake the world's longest ever commercial flights,' said Lars Wagner, chief executive officer of commercial aircraft at Airbus. After take-off from Melbourne, the plane flew all the way to France 'Flying 12,503 nautical miles non-stop, we have fully proven the aircraft's capability to fulfill its mission. And the world record was the icing on the cake!''Today we can say that the A350 truly is the undisputed Long Range Leader!' Lars added.At the end of October 2026, the A350 Family had 1,628 orders from 70 customers, with more than 740 aircraft already flying with 42 operators, primarily on long-haul services across the globe.Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery next April with entry into service on the Sydney-London route later in the year. What are the world's other lengthy plane journeys? The Airbus A350-1000ULR officially broke the Guinness World Record for the longest flight by distance by a commercial airliner.Before this, what was the world's lengthiest plane journey? The title was previously held by the Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner.The 777-200LR (Longer Range) flew 11,664 nautical miles (21,601 km) during its 22-hour 42-minute flight that left Hong Kong flying eastbound in 2005.It held the title for 21 years.There are plenty of other lengthy journeys across the globe.Singapore Airlines operates flights to New York JFK and Newark, each longer than 9,500 miles.Meanwhile, Perth to London Heathrow is scheduled at 17 hours and 50 minutes and covers 9,015 miles