New data from Cirium’s DIIO schedule has highlighted that both Australia and New Zealand seeing a boom in ultra-long hail airline routes.
Data shows that after the global financial crisis in 2010, the longest route from either country was Melbourne to Los Angeles, which was operated by both Qantas and Virgin, totalling around 13,000 kilometres and around 14.5 hours of flight time.
Now, in 2023, there are ten routes longer than that, the longest being Auckland to Doha, which is serviced by Qatar Airways, and also happens to be the third longest route in the world.
Extended routes are becoming more and more accessible thanks to longer-range, widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 787-9 and the Airbus A350-1000.
It is expected that in coming years, flights like Perth – London and Qantas’ planned Melbourne to New York and London will become increasingly common.
Sydney to London direct will total over 16,000 kilometres, more than 1500 more than the current leader in Auckland to Doha.
