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World’s Longest Nonstop Commercial Flights Ready to Launch, Powered by Rolls-Royce

It may have seemed that commercial aviation stood still during the past two years because of the pandemic, but big changes were brewing behind the scenes. One of them was Project Sunrise – the world’s most efficient large aviation engine that will power the first aircraft to conduct the world’s longest nonstop commercial flights.
Qantas will be operating 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft 7 photos
Photo: Airbus
Airbus A350-1000Airbus A350-1000Airbus A350-1000Airbus A350-1000 for QantasAirbus A350-1000Airbus A350-1000 for Qantas
Not too long ago, the idea of a nonstop flight between New York and Sydney was only a dream. But Qantas, the Australian airline that considered itself an innovation pioneer since the beginning, is ready to make this dream come true. Together with Airbus, it has officially confirmed that 12 new A350-1000 aircraft will be connecting Sydney and Melbourne to destinations such as London and New York through nonstop journeys. Qantas will therefore operate the world’s longest flights.

The A350-1000 is a modern aircraft in every aspect, from its premium layout and increased fuel efficiency to its compatibility with SAF (sustainable aviation fuel). An advanced airplane needs a proper engine, and the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 seems like the perfect choice. Having entered service in 2015, the Trent XWB is the fastest-selling large engine of all time, while the XWB-97, in particular, is the most efficient large aviation engine currently in operation. The XWB exclusively powers the Airbus A350 family, and the XWB-97 will power the A350-1000.

The Trent XWB engine is capable of powering ultra-long-range flights of up to 18 hours while still offering a low fuel consumption. Since 2015, it claims to have saved more than 10 million tons of CO2. Plus, the XWB-97 is also meant to run on SAF in the near future.

In addition to the 12 A350-100 aircraft that will be operating on these long routes, Qantas has also added A220 and A321XLR units to its fleet for improved fuel efficiency on domestic routes.
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About the author: Otilia Drăgan
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Otilia believes that if it’s eco, green, or groundbreaking, people should know about it (especially if it's got wheels or wings). Working in online media for over five years, she's gained a deeper perspective on how people everywhere can inspire each other.
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