Ultra-long-haul flights have captured the imagination of the aviation industry, but operating routes like Australia to Europe or the US to Southeast Asia is expensive due to increased range and fuel efficiency improvements.
Over the past decade, there has been an explosion in the number of ultra-long-haul flights, with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 being key enablers of this growth.
These aircraft are not only incredibly capable but also among the most fuel-efficient ever made, making them essential for today's ultra-long-haul routes.
The world's seven longest nonstop routes in 2026 have been revealed, with Air New Zealand and Qantas operating some of the longest flights.
Air New Zealand launched its Auckland to JFK service in 2022, which operates year-round three times a week using the Boeing 787.
This route is one of the longest using the Boeing 787, and Air New Zealand's flag carrier status gives it a unique advantage on this route.
Qantas also joined the route in 2023, operating from Sydney to JFK with a stopover at Auckland due to the flight's length.
Both airlines use the same aircraft, the Boeing 787-9, but Qantas has a larger presence on the route, with flights operating daily and thrice weekly.
The Boeing 787-9 is configured differently between Air New Zealand and Qantas, with varying seat counts for business class, premium economy, and economy seats.
The increasing efficiency of aircraft has made ultra-long-haul flights more economically viable.
