Chilli and chocolate: how Qantas plans to conquer the world's longest flight

Qantas' first ultra-long-range Airbus A350 has rolled out of a factory in France, marking a key step in Project Sunrise - and a future where passengers could be served chilli-spiked meals and even chocolate to help beat jet lag.

The A350 will allow Qantas to operate non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York - routes currently out of reach without a stopover.

The airline expects its first Project Sunrise services to launch in the first half of 2027.

Those routes be the world's longest commercial flights at up to 22 hours in the air. That's around four to five hours longer than Qantas' current Perth to London service.

More than 40 per cent of the seats will be dedicated to first, business and premium economy cabins, making it the most premium-heavy in the Qantas fleet, the airline confirmed.

Qantas said extensive research with the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre will shape the onboard experience, with lighting, meal timing and even ingredients (chocolate and chilli) designed to reduce jet lag on flights lasting close to a full day.

Spicy ingredients like chilli can stimulate the body and help keep passengers alert during the "daytime" hours of their destination's time zone, making it easier to stay awake until the local bedtime.

A "Wellbeing Zone", a first for the airline, will sit between premium economy and economy, offering space to move, guided stretching programs and hydration stations accessible to all passengers.