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Graphic shows details of test flights and Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
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AVIATION

Qantas to test long-haul flights from U.S. and UK to Sydney

By Mike Tyler

September 16, 2019 - Qantas is planning to test three non-stop flights from New York and London to Sydney using Boeing 787-9 aircraft to study how passengers and crew cope with what would be the world’s longest commercial flight.

The flights form part of planning for “Project Sunrise” – Qantas’ goal to operate regular, non-stop commercial flights from the east coast of Australia (Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) to London and New York.

The three flights in October, November and December will use new Boeing 787-9s and re-route their planned delivery flights. Instead of flying empty from Boeing’s Seattle plant to Australia, the aircraft will simulate two Project Sunrise routes – London and New York to Sydney.

This will represent the world’s first flight by a commercial airline direct from New York to Sydney and only the second time a commercial airline has flown direct from London to Sydney.

Each flight will have a maximum of 40 people, including crew, in order to minimise weight and give the necessary fuel range.

Participants – mainly Qantas employees – will be fitted with wearable technology devices and have their health monitored by doctors to see how they tolerate the approximately 19-hour flights.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 16/09/2019; STORY: Graphic News
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