Qantas Leads with World’s Longest One-Stop Boeing 787 Flights

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner continues to dominate the long-haul aviation market, operating more than one in four of the world’s long-haul flights as of November, according to data from Cirium Diio. The aircraft’s variants—the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10—have collectively surpassed the Boeing 777, making the 787 the leading widebody aircraft in service. The 787-9 variant, in particular, boasts a long range and high capacity, solidifying its position as the most popular choice among airlines.

Among the various routes being operated, Qantas leads the pack with the longest one-stop flight in the world, connecting Sydney to Paris Charles de Gaulle via Perth. This flight exemplifies the efficiency and range of the 787-9, which is utilized for all ten of the longest one-stop flights currently in operation.

Longest One-Stop Flights in November

To qualify as a one-stop flight, the same aircraft and flight number must be utilized throughout the journey. For November, these are the ten longest one-stop flights using the Boeing 787:

1. **25 hours 20 minutes**: Sydney-Perth-Paris CDG (Qantas, three weekly flights with the 787-9)
2. **25 hours 10 minutes**: Beijing Capital-Madrid-São Paulo Guarulhos (Air China, three weekly flights with the 787-9)
3. **24 hours 30 minutes**: Beijing Capital-Madrid-Havana (Air China, two weekly flights with the 787-9)
4. **23 hours 00 minutes**: New York JFK-Auckland-Sydney (Qantas, five weekly flights with the 787-9)
5. **22 hours 20 minutes**: Mumbai-London Heathrow-Toronto (Air Canada, four weekly flights with the 787-9)
6. **22 hours 00 minutes**: Paris CDG-Los Angeles-Papeete (Air Tahiti Nui, four weekly flights with the 787-9)
7. **21 hours 30 minutes**: Los Angeles-Hong Kong-Bangkok (United Airlines, daily flights with the 787-9)
8. **20 hours 45 minutes**: Los Angeles-Hong Kong-Ho Chi Minh City (United Airlines, daily flights with the 787-9)
9. **20 hours 45 minutes**: Dhaka-Istanbul Airport-Toronto (Biman Bangladesh, three weekly flights with the 787-9)
10. **19 hours 40 minutes**: Seattle-Chongqing-Haikou (Hainan Airlines, weekly flights with the 787-9)

While some flights, like those operated by **Biman Bangladesh**, do not have fifth freedom rights, they still maintain efficiency by changing crews and refueling en route.

Upcoming Flight Developments

United Airlines is set to reintroduce two significant routes in late October, which will enhance its long-haul network. Starting October 24, United will launch service from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and then onward to Bangkok. This route had been absent from the airline’s network since 2014 when it ceased operations due to changes in its fleet.

On October 25, United will also resume flights from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, continuing to Ho Chi Minh City. The return of these routes comes as the airline adapts its offerings to focus on leisure-driven destinations, a strategy that gained momentum during the pandemic.

In a related development, Air Canada plans to resume its Toronto-Heathrow-Mumbai service in time for winter 2025/2026, although the frequency will be reduced to four times weekly. This change reflects the competitive landscape of the Heathrow-Mumbai route, which is seeing increased capacity from various airlines, including the recent expansion by IndiGo.

As the aviation industry continues to recover and adapt to changing demand, these developments highlight the significant role of the Boeing 787 in long-haul travel, providing airlines with the capacity to serve global routes efficiently.