Overcoming the Final Frontier in Aviation
Qantas has named its endeavor “Project Sunrise” after the airline’s historic ‘Double Sunrise’ endurance flights during the Second World War, which remained airborne long enough to see two sunrises.
This is the second of three Project Sunrise research flights, after New York to Sydney last month. Qantas is seeking to provide ultra long haul flights linking the East Coast of Australia with London and New York.
Not a Typical Passenger Flight
The flight is not a typical passenger flight; it is a delivery flight and a research flight. The brand new Boeing 787-9, VH-ZNJ in Qantas special Centenary livery, flew in from the Boeing factory via Los Angeles to London the day before.
I started my trip leaving the hotel in London City at 03:30 and arrived at Heahrow Terminal 3 at 04:15.
The flight, QF7879 non-stop from London to Sydney is scheduled to depart at 06:00 and arrive in Sydney the next day at 12:30. There is an 11 hours time difference between London and Sydney, ensuring passengers on the flight get to witness a “double sunrise”.
The flight is operated by Qantas captain Helen Trenerry, First officer Ryan Gill and 2 second officers (Chris Agnew and Tegan Gray). None of the pilots are from management, as the captain explained “we want to have as close to the real flying experience by our regular pilots.”
Also joining them in the cabin are captain Lisa Norman and Alex Passerini, who flew in the day before on the delivery flight from LA to London.
There were 38 passengers, including 6 passengers undertaking research. Others who were invited were: media, regulatory personnel, VIP and Qantas management. All of us were seated in the front of the plane in Business Class, while our luggage was stored in the rear to balance the plane.
When I asked why there were no passengers seated in the rear of the plane. (apart from severe payload restrictions)
“The current Economy Class offering would not represent the actual product on Project Sunrise should the project go ahead. The Economy Class on Project Sunrise will be far better and roomier for the ultra long haul flight.”
Qantas explains
The flight departed at 06:09 from runway 27L at Heathrow. Flight time was to be 19 hours and 19 minutes non-stop to Sydney.
The London to Sydney flight overflew the following countries: Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Philippines and Indonesia.
Essentially the flight can be broken into 2 parts, London to Hong Kong and then Hong Kong to Sydney.
Sunrise and Exercise
About 40 minutes after takeoff, we witnessed the first sunrise on this flight. The front cabin light was dimmed to allow passengers to acclimatise to Sydney’s evening time clock. I moved to the rear of the plane to record the sunrise.
Led by Professor Corinne Caillaud, from Charles Perkins Centre at University of Sydney, passengers were encouraged to perform simple set of exercise in the aisle of the Economy cabin. These exercises included simple walking, stretching in different positions, squatting and lifting heels/tows.
Exercise on the research flight from London to Sydney 
Exercise on the research flight from London to Sydney
Jetlag Strategies
Qantas is working in partnership with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre and CRC for Altertness, Safety and Productivity onboard this flight, to collect real time data on passenger and crew inflight health and wellness.
This flight has been designed to test the effect of specially timed food, drink, movement, lightning and sleep on the wellness of passengers during the long journey.
“The flight will involve passengers eating supper at breakfast time, with the aim of encouraging them to sleep at 10am in the morning London time to help avoid light and reset their body clock to Sydney time.”
Professor Corinne Caillaud
The lighting schedule in the cabin is designed to maximise adaptation to the destination time zone.
Qantas First Class amenities 
Qantas First Class amenities
Not Your Regular Inflight menu
After take-off a range of high GI supper options were offered such as chicken broth with macaroni or a steak sandwich, along with a glass of wine and a milk based dessert.
There were no soft drinks nor spirits loaded on the flight; healthier drinks such as Kombucha and coconut water were provided instead. Qantas also provided every passenger with a refillable water bottle, which I think is a great initiative to avoid plastic bottles.
After the supper, passengers, including myself, got to go straight to sleep.
At this point, three hours had past into the 19 hours flight.
Research Flight
Objectives on Qantas Research Flight
The findings of this study will help shape the design of the aircraft cabin of the future, maximise inflight health and comfort and minimise jet leg for passengers. Pilot research will monitor flight crew alertness and optimal work and rest patterns for ultra-long haul flying.
Cabin lighting and temperature, stretching and meditation will also play key roles in the research.
Pilot and Cabin Crew Research – in partnership with the CRC for Alertness, Safety and Productivity
Four pilots and six cabin crew are involved in the data collection, wearing devices to measure activity and light exposure, completing sleep diaries and tests of alertness and reaction time.
Pilots wear EEG (electroencephalogram) brain monitoring equipment for the duration of the flight, to track brain activity and monitor alertness during their “on” times and quality of sleep during their “rest” periods.
Pilots also provide researchers with urine samples from before, during and after the flight, which will track melatonin levels to establish individual body clock timing.
Pilot wearing wrist band to measure light exposure 
Pilot wearing head band to measure their brainwave
The primary aim of the research is to examine the sleep cycles and alertness of pilots and cabin crew during extended flight duty, to establish optimum crew work and rest patterns.
Cameras are mounted in the cockpit for the flight duration to record alertness cues and operational activities.
Passenger Research – in partnership with University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre
The aim of the research is to identify strategies to reduce jetlag and promote inflight health. Passengers are fitted with wearable device technology to track movement and light exposure.
Passengers keep a daily log for a week prior to the flight, during the flight, and for two weeks after the flight, noting how they feel throughout the study.
Passengers will complete a test on an iPad, similar to a game of “Whack a Mole”, to gauge reaction time and cognitive performance.
Double Sunrise sighted
After a long un-disruptive rest and 13 hours into the flight, I witnessed the second sunrise over Ambon, Indonesia.
Breakfast was served during sunrise; passengers were offered a shot of piccolo latte or cold pressed juices.
Secret Order of the Double Sunrise
Qantas has named its endeavor “Project Sunrise” after the airline’s historic ‘Double Sunrise’ endurance flights during the Second World War, which remained airborne long enough to see two sunrises.
On today’s flight, we were presented with a flight certificate “Secret Order of the Double Sunrise”
One side of the certificate is for the current flight and on the other side of the certificate is a replica of the 1944 flight made on the Catalina Flying Boat.
We reached the Northern Territories of Australia with just 4 hours remaining. Our fuel load on this flight was 100,800 Kilograms and we consumed about 93,200 kilograms, with an extra saving of 1,800 kilograms due to flight plan optimisation.
A light lunch was served before landing; the tagliatelle with beef ragu was simply delicious.
Our landing was made at 12:28 local time in Sydney. The total flying time was 19 hours and 19 minutes. The flight landed on Runway 34L and headed straight into the Qantas Jetbase hangar.
Qantas Centenary
The London to Sydney Project Sunrise research flight operated almost 100 years to the day of the first ever flight from the UK to Australia; which took off from Hounslow Heath (near today’s Heathrow Airport) on 12th November 1919, it landed in Darwin 28 days later on 10th December 1919.
It comes as the Australian national carrier celebrates 100 years of service. Among those at Sydney airport to greet QF7879 were the Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese, as well as Qantas chairman Richard Goyder. Over 1,000 staff and guests attended the massive celebration.
Qantas Centenary B787-9 by Tim Bowrey
Conclusion
With the good jetlag strategies my body clock acclimatised well into Sydney’s timezone at the beginning of the flight, so I didn’t feel particularly jet lagged after arriving. I see advantages of less body fatigue on a 19 hours non-stop flight over a one stop flight, which usually takes at least 22 -24 hours from London to Sydney. The non-stop flight was long enough to warrant a long un-disruptive rest period. It remains interesting to see how the “roomier” Economy Class will fare should Project Sunrise go ahead. Kudos to Qantas for being focused on promoting the in-flight well being on this research flight.
Outcome of Project Sunrise
Airbus and Boeing have both pitched aircraft (the A350 and 777X respectively) with the range to operate Project Sunrise flights, on a commercial basis. These pitches, together with findings from the research flights and other streams of work, will form part of a business case being developed by Qantas to inform a final yes/no decision on Project Sunrise, expected by the end of this year. If approved, flights could start as early 2023.
I am 80 years old and since I have been enjoying my 4k TV screen, etc…, I have seen all your videos about airplanes. Today I enjoyed your video: “The longest flight in the world: QANTAS from London to Sydney.”…..in which, you describe your wonderful experience when you were a child and you flew on THE QUEEN OF THE SKIES the Boing 747 and I have cried with deep emotion when you say that the Captain of the aircraft put your little hand on the throttle levers and the Captain’s hand on yours while they took off…simply MAGNIFICENT!!!, and I felt that I was that child. I have only left Costa Rica 4 times (70s decade) and 2 of those have been on the always majestic Boing 747….. As an aviation fanatic, I am extremely happy to travel with you, sitting in my living room….. Thank you and BLESSINGS
I LOVE YOU man, THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH! You’ve made my day,seriously speaking!!! Thank YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! I cannot thank you enough!!!
Hello there again Sam, my apologies for disturbing you about Audio Jungle – Dramatic Dubstep, but could i ask,if you would be comfortable sending me the track,through ‘WeTransfer’, with me giving you my email address,obviously,please? Thank you. As like i have said before,i am also a user of Epidemic Sound,purely for loving the music used on youtuber’s vlogs,such as yourself… and watching your latest vlog ‘Where is the world’s busiest airport right now?’ you are using this tune again,and i would really love to own it,please… thank you.
sam can you tell the name of the music??
Check my comments in an earlier reply.
Well, that’s very unfortunate. Epidemic Sound has got this habit of updating their database and removing certain tracks,to make space for new ones,it has happened to me before… Thank you for replying,as usual. I’m disappointed in Epidemic Sound,as there again,i’m gonna go without a track,i would have liked having. Wish you a great day/time ahead nonetheless. Thank you again, Sam.
Eeeerm except i can’t find Audio Jungle – Dramatic Dubstep anywhere on Epidemic Sound,nor on Youtube… i am very sorry to ask,but would you have a link as to where else i could find it please? I will message you on your facebook page,so you can send me the link to the tune being played on this vlog,as from 24:06,if that’s ok,please?Thank you.
I tried but also can no longer find this music. I purchased this music track with usage license in the past.
Thank you so much for replying to my message,Sam,means a lot,seriously! Thank you!
Hi Sam, me being from the island of Mauritius,i do enjoy your vlogs,reminding me of the freedom of exploring the world through travel… Would you mind telling me what the name of the tune used on at the end of this vlog please?! As i am a registered member of Epidemic Sound and unfortunately Shazam can’t recognise the tune. Thank you.
The music is from Audio Jungle call Dramatic Dubstep
The closest I’ve come to a long haul flight is through your videos Sam. I’m a South African and the only 2 flights I’ve taken was in a Boeing 737-200 from Johannesburg to Durban. It’s barely a 1 hour long flight but the experience is always amazing. I desired to be in a long haul flight, preferably in the 747 or A380. Your videos keeps that desire going…I love aviation so much. Your love for aviation keeps me glued to your videos on YouTube. Kudos to you Sam, you’re reaching out to a lot of us out here❤
Oh wow Sam thank you for the amazing informative content, your vlogs has taught me so much from the comfort of my house all the way in South Africa and for that as we say in my language Setswana (ke go leboga go menagane) thank you very much.
Qantas airlines I trust that you will be able to have this as a regular flight in no time.
Guys this is very important and seeing the CEO being part of it shows your dedication to improving on your service.
Hi Sam, I’ve been watching your videos for about 5 months now. We have so much in common as far as our love of aviation goes, this video reminded of that. I was 13 in 1970 when I took my first ride on a nearly brand new Pan Am 747, I believe it was the fourth 747 delivered. We flew from JFK to San Juan, PR on Easter Sunday morning. I’ve flown too many million miles to count, mostly commercial but plenty of private miles as my hobby. You never bore me, I’m so glad that you continue to show me the world!
Thank you so much sharing your lovely story with aviation!
Sam. I saw the flight video in your YouTube channel. It was an amazing video. Was exciting. Congrats and thanks for share your experiences. Regards from Colombia
What music did you use for this video?
The music is from a licensed track of Epidemic Music Collection
Its stunning achievement by the aviation department. And sam you rocked it by bringing us the double sunrise mystery.
Let good things happen.
Mercy of God.
I know these flights that are already in operation & are expensive with Singapore A350 and Qantas B787 but they are a very useful business tool ! For those who need to get there as FAST as possible or hate the stop over’s,its dream come true! Whether the London to Sydney will ever happen? Not sure i mean Ok ,you have to buy as a minimum Premium Economy for health reasons i guess as of a whole day at 40K feet and isolated in a carbon fibre tube!! Whether they will find health issues for staff as well as customers,more research will have to be done before services will commence as of safety! Personally its only what 2 hrs quicker from stopping at a HUB and really i am quite happy for the stop-over ,walk about then get back on job! Though ,purely as a business role like the Concorde was for a many in Business, i can see its potential and from what i have heard the Heathrow to Perth with Qantas has been a success so far with over 80% fill rate on average! shame its a B787 though! I would prefer a A350 ULR on that route by a long shot !
Project Sunrise is not going well for Qantas i have read! yet again business people who do NOT UNDERSTAND engineering seem to think the impossible is do able! They were not very happy with what both Boeing and Airbus were offering but i feel in the long term the A350 will win out!
Why? Its more streamlined and more expensive in the way its made! Its like the Tristar VS DC-10 the DC -10 was cheap compared to the Tristar as of the advances the Tristar had over Douglas as being made by Lockheed top act compared to Mc Donald Douglas! The DC-10 was made cheaper for airlines to acquire but engineering wise ancient compared to the Tristar! I feel Qantas is awaiting the bigger A350 with RR -Ultrafan 3.55m engines that should accomadate more than the A350 ULR but have ULR range etc.
And also trip report on E195-E2???
Pls refer to the Video of E195-E2.
Can u do trip report on Air Mauritius A350 plz??
Indeed, you presentation is excellent, both in content and readability. Lucky you Sam. May be in the next life, I want your job!.
Qantas. Oh, what a joy!
I just admire this great work !
All well and good in business class but how will they go in sardine class , Be no exercising in the aisles bet Mr Joyce won`t be trying that . And the food you really think that will be available in economy ?
That’s great – was watching the CNN cover of this and was wondering why you did not participate ! CNN of course only focus on Richard Quest (who I feel has a bit of a tummy in your picture 😉 ). So am glad to read your report and know you made history ! Keep the good work.
Relatively new to your Video Channel Sam but just watched this one. Excellent coverage & as enjoyable as your other videos.
Loved your personal account of flying QF as a youngster. Keep up the good work!
Excellent coverage Sam, thanks for sharing this wonderful flight experience you had. Qantas is an awesome Airline, considered the safest in the World for a very long time, they provide very safe and comfortable travel to their passengers and this flight will not be an exception either. Go East or West Qantas is the best !
Ausesis are great and so are their achievements.
Was very happy to be a part of this flight.
It was rather a different experience than the usual flights.
Hope one day comes when we too get a chance to fly like this.
How do I get this opportunity to fly if there is a room for next research test?
You have to be invited by the airline.
Excellent reading Sam, well presented, made reading so easy and enjoyable. No big long fancy or technical words to try and impress.
Well done Qantas too!
Outstanding content and important details of this historic flight & research! Thanks Sam for the front line, comprehensive, and top notch work.
Very excited to see how they equip the cabin if this moves forward. Was very happy with the premium Econ on Singapore Airlines EWR-SIN. I suspect the two class cabin config would work well 🙂
Looking forward to learning more and adding this flight to my list 🙂 ✈️
Thanks !
Amazing flight and an amazing piece of writing from you Sam! I loved reading this. Will there be a video? I can’t wait to see it!
of course, it is coming in a few hours!
Wow, what an opportunity to join a flight like this!!
ya this flight is nice and you can enjoy with the crew