Sneak peek at special Qantas jetliners for record-breaking 22-hour nonstop flights
Sneak peek at special Qantas jetliners for record-breaking 22-hour nonstop flights
Qantas Airways is set to revolutionize transcontinental travel with its ambitious Project Sunrise, which will deploy 12 Airbus A350-1000ULRs for unprecedented 22-hour flights from Sydney to London and New York. Recently unveiled images reveal the first of these ultra-long-range aircraft has completed its final assembly in Toulouse, France, equipped with high-thrust Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. The plane is now ready for ground testing before commercial operations begin in 2027.
Spacious cabins for long-haul comfort
The redesigned interiors feature a reduced seat count of 238, compared to the standard 400 on other A350-1000 models. Over 40% of these seats will be in premium configurations, offering flat-bed suites and full-length wardrobes. A central Wellbeing Zone provides travelers with space to move and replenish supplies during extended journeys.
Could you handle 22 hours, or even two, in double-level airplane seating?
Since its 2020 debut, Alejandro Núñez Vicente’s Chaise Longue seat concept has sparked online discussions. The latest iteration is described as the “ultimate, final statement” by its creators. CNN secured exclusive access to this two-tier design, highlighting its potential to redefine passenger experience. While no carriers have officially committed to the innovation, enthusiasts await its possible implementation.
Global airport accolades and bustling travel trends
Changi International Airport in Singapore has claimed the title of best airport worldwide for the 14th consecutive year, according to Skytrax. Meanwhile, Tokyo Narita International Airport was recognized for Best Airport Staff, and Haneda Airport earned the Cleanest Airport award. Notably, Haneda achieved this while ranking as the third busiest airport globally, with 91.7 million passengers recorded in 2025.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport remains the world’s busiest, handling 106.3 million travelers in 2025. The travel sector experienced record growth in 2025, with international tourism increasing by 4.1% and contributing $11.6 trillion to the global economy, per World Travel & Tourism Council data.
Unexpected aviation incident sparks investigation
A bizarre event in California has raised questions about air travel safety. A man reported that a block of dirty ice shattered through his roof, landing exactly where he had been sitting on his couch. The FAA is examining whether the ice originated from an aircraft. This incident adds an unusual chapter to recent aviation news, alongside reports of pilots using emergency frequencies to communicate with unusual phrases.
