Record breaking plans for Qantas to run 21 hour nonstop flights between Sydney and London could be soon given the go ahead, reports suggest.
With planes such as the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350 now capable of travelling such distances without having to refuel, Qantas now only needs approval from pilots and the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The only stumbling block to these plans stems from the current duty time, which limits pilots to 20 hours, including time on the ground while working. With flights between Sydney and London requiring an estimated 23 hours duty time.
Qantas currently provides a 17 hour nonstop flight between Perth and London, with a total duty time of 20 hours. This includes one captain, one first officer and two second officers - who can fly only at cruising altitudes and cannot take off or land the aircraft.
Currently, the world’s longest non stop flight is Singapore Airlines’ near 19 hour journey between Singapore and New York.