Non-stop London to Sydney flights could happen by 2022, says Qantas boss

The Qantas plane was two hours into a 17 hour flight when it was forced to turn back
AFP/Getty Images
James Morris30 August 2018

Non-stop 20-hour flights between London and Sydney could happen by 2022, the boss of Qantas has said.

Qantas Airways boss Alan Joyce said the airline now has the plane designs “that could do it”.

And he even claimed the aircraft could contain gym facilities and a crèche.

It comes a year after Mr Joyce publicly challenged Airbus and Boeing, the world’s biggest plane manufacturers, to extend the flying range of their next generation of aircraft and supply Qantas.

Alan Joyce, left, said: 'We’re challenging ourselves to think outside the box'
AFP/Getty Images

The callout was part of the company’s “Project Sunrise” to make 20-hour direct flights from London to Sydney a possibility by 2022.

It currently takes a minimum 22 hours to fly to Sydney from Heathrow, and all flights require a connection.

Mr Joyce told Bloomberg on Thursday: “We’re now comfortable that we think we have vehicles that could do it.

Qantas aircraft pictured at Sydney Airport in August
EPA

“We’re challenging ourselves to think outside the box. Would you have the space used for other activities -- exercise, bar, creche, sleeping areas and berths? Boeing and Airbus have been actually quite creative in coming up with ideas.

“I’m actually confident that it will get there and we will have aircraft in 2022.”

The Standard has approached Airbus and Boeing for comment.

Earlier this year, Qantas made history with the first ever non-stop flight from Australia to the UK.

The QF9 flight, carrying 200 passengers, flew from Perth to Heathrow in 17 hours.

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