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Direct flights between London and Sydney are a step closer after Australian carrier Qantas announced new research into the route long seen as \u201cthe final frontier\u201d of international travel.<\/p>\nDirect flights between London and Sydney are a step closer after Australian carrier Qantas announced new research into the route long seen as \u201cthe final frontier\u201d of international travel.<\/p>\n
Qantas aims to operate regular, non-stop commercial flights from the Australian east coast cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to London and New York as part of its so-called Project Sunrise.<\/p>\n
Flights scheduled for October, November and December on new 787-9 aircraft will research ways of improving passenger and crew health and well being on ultra long-haul flights.<\/p>\n
Instead of flying empty from Seattle, where the planes are made, to be delivered to Australia, the aircraft will fly the London and New York to Sydney routes.<\/p>\n
The tests will be the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Each flight will have a maximum of 40 people on board, including crew, in order to minimize weight and give the necessary fuel range.<\/p>\n
Carbon emissions from the flights will be fully offset, Qantas said.<\/p>\n
Those in the cabin, who will be mostly Qantas employees, will be fitted with wearable technology devices and take part in specific experiences at various stages of the approximately 19-hour flights.<\/p>\n
Scientists and medical experts from the University of Sydney will monitor sleep patterns, food and drink consumption, lighting, physical movement and in-flight entertainment to assess the impact on health and the body clock.<\/p>\n
Monash University researchers will work with pilots to record levels of melatonin \u2013 a hormone linked with how the body gets ready for sleep \u2013 before, during and after the flights.<\/p>\n
Pilots will wear an EEG (electroencephalogram) device that tracks brain wave patterns and monitors alertness. The aim is to establish data to assist in building the optimum work and rest pattern for pilots operating long-haul services.<\/p>\n
Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said the flights will give medical experts the chance to do real-time research.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltra-long haul flying presents a lot of common-sense questions about the comfort and well being of passengers and crew,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese flights are going to provide invaluable data to help answer them.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor customers, the key will be minimizing jet lag and creating an environment where they are looking forward to a restful, enjoyable flight.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor crew, it\u2019s about using scientific research to determine the best opportunities to promote alertness when they are on duty and maximize rest during their down time on these flights.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Joyce said that flying non-stop from the east coast of Australia to London and New York \u201cis truly the final frontier in aviation, so we\u2019re determined to do all the groundwork to get this right\u201d.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cNo airline has done this kind of dedicated research before and we\u2019ll be using the results to help shape the cabin design, in-flight service and crew roster patterns for Project Sunrise. We\u2019ll also be looking at how we can use it to improve our existing long-haul flights.\u201d<\/p>\n