The world’s longest flights by private jet charter

How airlines are achieving longer flights

Aircraft manufacturers have been busy developing new jets with better fuel efficiency and longer range, capable of flying non-stop from almost any two points on the globe. As oil prices have also dropped, direct long-range flights have become even more achievable using cutting-edge aircraft such as:

• Airbus A350-900 ULR ‒ Airbus has developed some of the most efficient jets on the market. Its new A350-900 ULR model is the most impressive, with a twin engine that uses a modified system to burn less fuel. The plane can fly further than any other commercial aircraft, with a range of over 10,000 miles or 20 hours, and is capable of carrying 24,000 liters of fuel. Its modern, spacious cabin boasts 161 seats compared to 253 in the standard A350-900 version.
• Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner ‒ The newest Dreamliner model is the 787-10, which has an ultra-long range of 6,430 nautical miles. The plane can carry 330 people and uses 25 percent less fuel per passenger than similar-sized aircraft. Made from a lightweight composite, it’s the most efficient Dreamliner and has helped airlines to introduce 210 new non-stop flights. Vaulted ceilings, adjustable LED lighting and large windows make it super comfortable, too.

To make these 15-hour-plus journeys feasible for passengers, manufacturers have worked hard to ensure maximum cabin comfort, with extra touches such as smart lighting to help the body clock adjust and reduce jet-lag, roomier cabins with comfier seats, healthier in-flight meals and improved cabin pressure and humidity levels.

Top five longest flights in the world

Here's a list of the world's top five ultra-long range flights, as of 2018. Bear in mind that flight lengths and distances vary slightly depending on weather conditions, headwinds and tailwinds.

1. Singapore to New York

Approximate length: 10,337 miles, 19 hours

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 ULR

The journey from Singapore Changi to Newark Airport in New York City is now the world's longest non-stop flight. This record-breaking route previously operated between 2004 and 2013 but was canceled due to high fuel prices and inefficient jets. Singapore Airlines re-commenced flights in October 2018 with the new Airbus A350-900 ULR, which is better-equipped to connect these two global business hubs.

Singapore-to-New York flights are aimed at business clientele and the jet boasts 67 business class seats and 94 premium economy, but no economy seating. Onboard comforts include larger windows, better lighting, higher ceilings and fully-reclining business class seats. Premium economy flights cost from $1,649, while business class seats cost double.

2. Los Angeles to Singapore

Approximate length: 8,759 miles, 17 hours 50 minutes

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 ULR

Singapore Airlines is also resuming its service between Los Angeles International Airport and Singapore Changi in November 2018, after discontinuing it in 2013. The news comes as competitor United Airlines announces plans to end its non-stop service between LA and Singapore, instead flying to the island city-state from San Francisco.

3. Auckland to Doha

Approximate length: 9,032 miles, 17 hours 40 minutes

Airline flight: Qatar Airways

Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR

Qatar Airways launched the Doha-Auckland route in February 2017, connecting Auckland International with Hamad International Airport. Auckland is a key hub in the Pacific region and the busiest passenger airport in New Zealand, serving nine million international passengers every year. This mammoth flight, which counts as the world's longest for economy passengers, lands in Qatar's modern capital, Doha.

The Boeing 777-200LR - a long-range version of the highly popular 777-200 - is one of the world’s most technologically advanced jets. Driven by GE90-110B1L engines and putting out 110,760 pounds of thrust, this modern marvel is capable of flying a maximum of 266 passengers for 9,420 nautical miles without needing to refuel.

4. Houston to Sydney

Approximate length: 8,596 miles, 17 hours 30 minutes

Airline: United Airlines

Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The inaugural flight from Houston George Bush Intercontinental to Sydney Airport launched in January 2018. Houston is the largest city in Texas and a business hub known as the energy capital of the U.S.A., while Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities and a key destination for banks and I.T. and insurance groups. The Boeing 787 used for this flight has 252 seats, including 48 flatbeds in business class, 63 economy plus seats and 141 economy seats.

5. Perth to London

Approximate length: 9,010 miles, 17 hours 20 minutes

Airline: Qantas

Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Qantas’ Dreamliner can carry 236 passengers and offers a mixture of business, premium economy and economy seats on its route between Perth and London. Flights takeoff from Perth, the capital of Western Australia, to London Heathrow, which passes over 70 million passengers a year. Qantas is testing out a new menu featuring fruit platters and probiotic juice shots to reduce jet-lag on this flight.

The top five longest flights in the world are closely followed by these non-stop journeys:

• Auckland to Dubai ‒ This Emirates flight covers 8,824 miles and has a flight time of around 17 hours and 20 minutes on an Airbus A380.
• Johannesburg to Atlanta ‒ Delta Airlines’ 8,434-mile commercial flight takes 16 hours and 50 minutes in a Boeing 777-300 LR.
• Dallas to Sydney ‒ You can fly this 8,578-mile route with Qantas on an Airbus A380 in just under 17 hours.
• Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles ‒ Etihad Airways uses a Boeing 777-300ER for this 8,375-mile trip, which takes 16-and-a-half hours.
• San Francisco to Singapore ‒ Fly with United on this 8,435-mile route, which takes about 16-and-a-half hours on a Boeing 787 or Airbus A350.
• Dubai to Los Angeles ‒ This Emirates commercial flight covers 8,324 miles, taking 16 hours and 20 minutes in an Airbus A380.
• Jeddah to Los Angeles ‒ This Saudia Airlines route on a Boeing 777-300ER covers 8,315 miles, with a flight time of just over 16 hours.

Future long-haul routes

In the future, non-stop flights could cover 21 hours, which is long enough to connect most destinations in the world. In order to be profitable, airlines favor routes frequented by passengers who can pay the premium for business or first class seats. This means serving key finance, cultural and business hubs like Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, London and New York.

One of the most-anticipated direct, ultra-long range flights is a London-to-Sydney service, taking around 21 hours and covering 9,600 nautical miles. Airbus and Boeing are developing a plane that can tackle this route for Qantas.

If you prefer to fly long-distance in total privacy, get a private jet charter quote for your travel needs.