The first recorded powered flight lasted for 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 feet. ICAO and IATA define ultra long-haul flights as routes lasting more than 16 hours, often spanning 13,000 kms or more. These nonstop journeys connect cities such as Singapore and New York or Perth and London
During World War II, Qantas operated the aptly named “Double Sunrise” route, connecting Perth with Sri Lanka in a time of between 27 and 33 hours. We hear about the ultra long-haul flights with Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel.