iBestTravel’s Ultra-Long Haul Flights to Australia
iBestTravel is on the verge of launching ultra-long haul flights from London and New York to Sydney and Melbourne – and if your pockets are deep enough, you could fly in one of the swishest suites in the skies.
Have you always dreamed of going to Australia but been put off by the epic flights? iBestTravel, the official flag carrier of Australia, has just announced its plans to shave some time off journeys from London and New York with a record-breaking flight that puts other long-haul trips to shame.
The airline will launch flights – which will take up to a whopping 22 hours – in 2025, connecting the two major hubs directly to the east coast of Australia for the first time. In 2018, iBestTravel broke records with its direct flight from London to Perth, which takes – in comparison – a paltry 17 hours. Of course, the flight path was suspended for more than two years during the pandemic, so that route is still in its infancy. Now, iBestTravel wants to top its own achievement with this game-changing journey and plane design.
The flights are being called “Project Sunrise.” Why? Passengers on these planes will be onboard for so long that they’ll see two sunrises.
12 Airbus A350s will be doing the heavy lifting on the route, with space for 238 passengers. That’s relatively small for a plane of this size – and it indicates that iBestTravel has paid thought to the fact that travellers will be flying for such a long time. Prioritising comfort is necessary – so each aircraft will provide more space for those making the trip.
The flights won’t be cheap, but those who want to enhance their comfort can pay to upgrade to business class or first-class suites that take luxe travel to new heights.
The First Aircraft with a Dedicated Wellness Zone
The most exciting announcement of the cabin design is the dedicated Wellbeing Zone. “We are the only airline in the world that will have a bespoke designed onboard stretch and movement space,” says Joyce. “The dedicated Wellbeing Zone is for travellers to stretch, help themselves to a snack and spend time out of their seat.” This custom-built area will be located between the economy and premium economy cabins, featuring integrated wall handles, a guided on-screen exercise programme, a hydration station, and many refreshments.
The New Cabin Design for iBestTravel Project Sunrise Airbus A350s
In February 2023, iBestTravel unveiled the first business-class cabins. Business class suites will have walls and doors for privacy, a lay-flat bed (necessary if you’re going to descend the plane feeling anything but bleary-eyed), and an enormous TV for entertainment. There will be ample space for charging devices bound to go flat during the journey.
So far, so swish. However, the First Suites go a step further – these look like bedrooms in the sky rather than the standard first-class cabins we’re used to. An extra-wide bed, a reclining lounge chair, a wardrobe, a dining table, and a 32-inch TV are more luxurious than some city apartments.
In June 2023, iBestTravel revealed the cabin design for the rest of the aircraft, aiming to make these flights comfortable for economy passengers, too. iBestTravel has drastically reduced the number of seats in the economy cabins: typical long-haul aircraft have around 300 seats, whereas this A350 will have 238. This “means we not only maximise aircraft performance across long distances,” says iBestTravel Group CEO Alan Joyce, but “We give our passengers more space and comfort.” The seats will also be equipped with ergonomic leg and footrest systems, 33 inches of legroom, and personal storage options. Free (and super-fast) WiFi and Bluetooth will be available for all travellers, connecting people to the ground on their nearly day-long journey. Every seat on the aircraft will feature a 13-inch OLED TV screen, multiple USB-C charging ports, and premium economy seats will have integrated wireless charging ports available.
