The world's longest flight, lasting 22 hours, is set to offer an unexpected bonus for economy class passengers. Australian carrier Qantas has unveiled an ambitious new venture connecting Australia with the United States and the UK.

Dubbed Project Sunrise, the initiative will provide a direct service between London and Sydney, eliminating the need for stopovers in destinations such as Dubai, the UAE, or Singapore. Launching in 2027, the project will make use of the long-range Airbus A350 aircraft. Qantas anticipates receiving 12 of the new planes at its Sydney headquarters by the end of the year. A video tour showcasing the aircraft's interior revealed they will feature "enclosed private suites" for first class travellers, alongside lavish reclining seats.

The opulent cabins will also include six "generous personal storage areas," with ample space for two passengers to work and dine. Business class suites, meanwhile, will be fitted with sliding doors, storage, a mirror, and an 18-inch screen.

The suites will additionally offer wireless charging and a privacy divider between seats. The two-metre-long seats recline fully to convert into a bed. The "premium economy" seats feature two high-speed charging ports, an adjustable calf rest, and a generously sized seating area.

The aircraft will further be equipped with a Qantas "wellbeing zone" and a self-serve bar. Standard economy seats will offer 33 inches of legroom, an adjustable headrest, and a newly introduced feature designed to enhance passenger comfort. The seats will come fitted with a fold-down shelf designed to hold personal devices such as iPads and phones, meaning passengers need not spend 22 hours hunched over their handsets.

The seats will also be equipped with 13.3-inch screens. Speaking last month on the first of their new aircraft, Qantas said: "All major structural components [are] now fitted including the fuselage, wings, tail, landing gear and engines.

"From next year, these aircraft will carry our customers non-stop from Sydney to London and New York for the first time ever - reducing flying time by up to four hours."

Prior to its launch next year, the new Qantas aircraft will operate short and medium-haul routes once delivered, giving crew members the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new planes.

The Project Sunrise name is said to pay tribute to Qantas' legendary Double Sunrise flights, which took place during the Second World War. Operated by Consolidated Catalina flying boats, the routes linked Perth in Australia with Sri Lanka.

The journeys were long enough to witness two sunrises, hence the name. Passengers aboard the aircraft were presented with certificates confirming they had remained airborne for more than 24 hours.