Qantas to operate ‘PROJECT SUNRISE’ research flights – Direct to NEW YORK & LONDON
14Qantas has announced three ultra long-haul research flights to gather new data about inflight passenger and crew health and wellbeing.
The flights form part of planning for Project Sunrise – Qantas’ goal to operate regular, non-stop commercial flights from the east coast of Australia (Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) to London and New York.
The three flights over three months will use new Boeing 787-9s and re-route their planned delivery flights. Instead of flying empty from Seattle to Australia, the aircraft will simulate two Project Sunrise routes – London and New York to Sydney.
Qantas has reported a moderate fall in profits, with the airline blaming a rise in fuel costs for much of the 6.5 per cent slide in net earnings.
The airline posted a statutory net profit of $891 million, down from $953 million last year.