Record Flight Tested
Qantas' World's Longest Flight Completes First Test Ahead of Sydney-London Record Route
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The Airbus A350-1000ULR, the plane set to fly the world's longest commercial route, has completed its first nonstop test flight departing from France, according to CNN. The aircraft is being prepared for Qantas's Sydney-to-London route, launching in October 2027. That flight will stretch over 10,000 miles and could keep passengers airborne for up to 22 hours.
The test flight lasted more than 19 hours, CNN reports. It marked a major milestone for Qantas as the airline works to prove the ultra-long-range jet can handle one of the most demanding routes ever attempted in commercial aviation.
What Makes the A350-1000ULR Built for This Route
The A350-1000ULR is not a standard passenger jet. The "ULR" stands for Ultra Long Range. Airbus designed it specifically to fly routes that no other commercial plane can handle nonstop. It carries extra fuel capacity and is built lighter to make those massive distances possible, CNN reports.
The Sydney-to-London route will be the longest commercial flight in history once it launches. Passengers will cross more than 10,000 miles without a single stop. The current record holder is Singapore Airlines, which flies from Singapore to New York — a journey of around 9,500 miles, according to CNN.
Qantas Plans October 2027 Launch for Record Route
Qantas has set October 2027 as the target launch date for the Sydney-London nonstop service. The airline has been working toward this goal for years under what it calls "Project Sunrise." The test flight from France is one of the final steps before the route goes live, CNN reports.
The airline is expected to repeat the nonstop test flight to gather more data. Engineers and crew will study how the aircraft and passengers hold up over such a long stretch. Flights of up to 22 hours present real challenges — for the plane, the pilots, and anyone sitting in economy, according to KWWL.
Passport Power Rankings Shift as US Falls Behind
A new global report on travel freedom shows a sharp drop in US passport power. The US now ranks behind 36 other countries, according to CNN. Sweden holds the top spot among European Union nations, giving its citizens some of the broadest visa-free travel access in the world.
Part of the shift involves Europe's new Entry Exit System, known as EES. Starting soon, non-EU travelers entering the 29-country Schengen zone will have their biometrics — fingerprints and facial scans — recorded at the border. Swedish and other EU citizens can bypass this step entirely, CNN reports.
Top US Travel Destinations Highlighted in Latest Countdown
Alongside the global aviation news, a travel countdown spotlighted some underrated American destinations. Juneau, Alaska came in at No. 7 on the list, while Lawrence, Kansas landed at No. 9, according to KTVZ. Iowa City, Iowa also earned a spot, drawing attention for its cultural scene and affordability.
These rankings point to a growing interest in smaller, off-the-beaten-path US cities. Travelers looking to avoid crowded tourist hotspots are increasingly turning to places like Juneau and Iowa City as smart alternatives for domestic trips, KTVZ reports.
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