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Original editorial illustration of a passenger jet accompanied by two interceptor aircraft near a city airport at dusk — Original illustration: Curiosity Desk original illustration created with OpenAI image generation

World Explained · Aviation

Why RAF Typhoons intercepted a Qatar Airways flight

A hoax threat triggered the RAF response. Here is what happened, why fighter jets were sent and what an interception does and does not mean.

27 July 2026 · 6 min readRead story →

Editorial illustration of long-haul passengers stretching and drinking water in a shared aircraft wellbeing space — Illustration: Curiosity Desk, created with image-generation tools and reviewed by an editor

Australian Curiosity · Aviation

What the Project Sunrise wellbeing zone is actually for

The dedicated cabin area is designed for movement, stretching and hydration. It is a passenger feature, not a proven cure for jet lag or every health risk.

20 July 2026 · 10 min readRead story →

Editorial illustration tracing an ultra-long-range aircraft from certification testing through delivery to a Sydney to London flight — Illustration: Curiosity Desk, created with image-generation tools and reviewed by an editor

Australian Curiosity · Aviation

What Project Sunrise is and when the flights are expected to begin

Qantas plans non-stop Sydney to London service from October 2027. Here is the verified path from certification flights to delivery and passengers.

20 July 2026 · 10 min readRead story →

Editorial illustration of an exceptionally long aircraft route curving between Sydney and London across day and night — Illustration: Curiosity Desk, created with image-generation tools and reviewed by an editor

Australian Curiosity · Aviation

Will Sydney to London become the world's longest passenger flight?

Airbus calls Project Sunrise the world's longest commercial flight. The comparison depends on non-stop distance, scheduled duration and what is actually operating.

20 July 2026 · 10 min readRead story →

Editorial illustration comparing an instrumented flight-test aircraft with a completed passenger aircraft ready for delivery — Illustration: Curiosity Desk, created with image-generation tools and reviewed by an editor

Australian Curiosity · Aviation

Why the first Project Sunrise delivery now points to 2027

The test aircraft flew in June 2026, but Airbus says the first aircraft delivered to Qantas is planned for April 2027. The dates describe different jobs.

20 July 2026 · 10 min readRead story →

Editorial cutaway illustration showing four differently spaced cabin sections inside a low-density long-range aircraft — Illustration: Curiosity Desk, created with image-generation tools and reviewed by an editor

Australian Curiosity · Aviation

Project Sunrise seating plan: all 238 Qantas A350 seats

The Project Sunrise seating plan has 238 Qantas A350 seats across four cabins. See every class count, layout and the 42 Economy Plus seats.

20 July 2026 · 10 min readRead story →

Original writingEvery story is written for this publication.

Sources you can openFactual stories link to primary or authoritative material.

Clear correctionsMaterial errors are fixed and explained.