Issue 9 | Volume 152 | November 25, 2019
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University theavion.com | (386) 226-6049
Campus Industry & Technology Sports Year in Review
Vipul Telang Managing Editor On Nov. 15, 2019, Qantas flight 7879 touched down at Sydney Kingsford-Smith International Airport after 19 hours and 19 minutes aloft, marking the completion of the second trial run for what Qantas hopes to be the world’s longest commercial route. Dubbed “Project Sunrise,” Qantas has been working with both Airbus and Boeing to find an aircraft that can carry at least 300 passengers nonstop from Australia’s eastern coast (Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney) to London and New York City, a distance of up to 10,500 miles. On Oct. 20 of this year, Qantas flew from New York City to Sydney for the first trial run of the research project. The Boeing 787-9 spent 19 hours and 16 minutes airborne, although the route is nearly 1,000 miles shorter than its London counterpart. Passenger and Crew Comfort Onboard both trial flights were researchers and media journalists
covering the historic flight. Limited to just 40 people total to minimize weight and allow the best possible fuel range, the researchers analyzed many different aspects, including sleep schedules, eating schedules, and in-flight entertainment, to see the impacts on human health. The flight crew was also part of the research, as a large part of the experiment revolved around how fatigued the team would be after spending nearly a day in the air. The pilots wore an EEG (electroencephalogram) monitor that gathered data on pilot alertness. Qantas plans to share the data collected with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to help regulate ultra-longhaul travel for pilots to reduce fatigue-related incidents. The goal is to prove that there are no adverse effects from long-distance flight. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has acknowledged the need for a completely revamped cabin should Project Sunrise become a reality. This idea includes a new first-class suite that will “leapfrog what’s
there today.” Cabin service will also need to be tailored to find a balance between helping passengers sleep and stay awake. It will also help reduce the effects of jetlag, especially when 15 time zones are crossed. A Close Race By the end of 2019, Qantas is expected to make a decision regarding which manufacturer will be given the go-ahead to get the contract. Airbus has proposed its newest aircraft, the A350-1000ULR (Ultra-Long-Range), while Boeing proposed the 777-8X. The embattled manufacturer is looking to put some of its woes with the 737MAX behind by earning the proposed contract. However, Boeing had had issues with the 777X program, most notably when the rear fuselage failed during pressure testing in early September. Yet last week, Qantas International Chief Executive Tino La Spina told both manufacturers to “return to the drawing board and sharpen their pencils” as there were still some concerns about the aircraft fulfilling all of the
Photo Courtesy/Qantas requirements that Qantas required for that route. Qantas, which plans to operate the flight as soon as 2023, may have to either delay or cancel the project altogether if they are not pleased with either aircraft. In August 1989, Qantas flew a Boeing 747-400 from London to Sydney to prove that the flight was feasible. However, that flight was carried out without passengers and with just enough fuel to make the route safely. 23 crewmembers took part in that flight, which was the first time a trip of that magnitude had been carried out nonstop. Currently, the longest operational flight is flown between Singapore and Newark and covers roughly 9,521 miles. That flight is flown on an Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra-Long Range) aircraft operated by Singapore Airlines. The final test is another flight from New York City to Sydney slated in December. That flight will help Qantas gather the last data to help Project Sunrise enter service.