The longest non-stop flight in history touched down in Sydney on Sunday morning after more than 7 hours in the air since leaving New York, a feat the Qantas company plans to translate into commercial success soon. Experimental flight QF7879 traveled for exactly 19 hours and 16 minutes, the first of three very long flights planned by the Australian company this year.
This one, which will also test a direct between London and Sydney, plans to create regular commercial lines on these long journeys. Upon arrival, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce was delighted with a “really historic moment”, Both for his company and for the aviation world as a whole.
«This is the first of three test flights after which we will be able to see what recommendations we can make regarding the way for pilots to manage their fatigue, and for passengers to manage jet lag.Joyce said after landing in Sydney. “After 7 pm on this plane I think we did well. I feel like I did a much shorter flight than that».
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that left New York’s JF Kennedy Airport on Friday evening was carrying just 49 people, mostly Qantas employees. The weight in the cabin was thus reduced, which made it possible to carry a sufficient quantity of fuel for the 16,000 kilometers of the journey.
Four pilots at the controls
According to the specialized site flightradar24.com, the aircraft weighed 233 tonnes on takeoff, including 101 tonnes of kerosene. Four pilots took turns at the controls during the flight.
Researchers from two Australian universities were on board to observe how passengers slept and ate, and monitor their melatonin levels, “sleep hormone“. After boarding, passengers were asked to set their watch to Sydney time. They were then kept awake until nightfall over the eastern part of Australia. For this, physical exercises were offered to them, caffeine and spicy meals were served in a lighted cabin.
Six hours later, they were treated to a meal rich in carbohydrates before being asked not to watch any more screens. The lights were then dimmed to help them fall asleep. Marie Carroll, a University of Sydney researcher who conducted the experiment, told AFP that she expects this innovative method to help reduce the consequences of jet lag. “I expect them to have a normal day today and a normal night’s sleep tonight “She said, claiming to feel”surprisingly good»Taking into account the duration of the flight.
“Adjust schedules”
«It is an experiment that aims to see if airlines can adjust food, drink, exercise and lighting schedules to be in sync with the schedule at destination.», She clarified. The four pilots on board had been equipped with devices measuring their brain waves and their alertness.
However, the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), a union that represents Qantas pilots, has expressed concern whether the pilot’s rest time during this flight was of sufficient quality for their performance remains optimal. She asked for a “long-term scientific studyOn the impact of these flights on crews.
The airline said these test flights are only part of the work it does to ensure its flights are operated safely. The longest commercial air route in the world is currently a connection between New York and Singapore launched in 2018 by Singapore Airlines, which lasts 6.30 p.m. according to the company’s website.
See also: Why the Boeing 737 Max crash
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