Flying from London to Sydney represents one of the most challenging routes ever for private aviation. With a distance exceeding 9,000 nautical miles, this route tests the range, performance, and operational capabilities of even the world’s most advanced business jets.
But is it possible to cover such a distance with a private jet? More importantly: which models are able to do this efficiently and safely?
The London-Australia distance and operational limitations.
The London-Sydney route measures about 9,200 nm, while London-Perth is around 7,800 nm. These values are greater than the actual operational range of any currently certified private jet.
As a result, today there are no business jets capable of flying the London-Australia route without at least one technical stopover, maintaining fuel reserves and operating standards that meet international regulations.
Private jets best suited for ultra long-range routes
Bombardier Global 7500
The Bombardier Global 7500 is considered one of the absolute benchmarks for very long-range missions.
- Maximum range: about 7,700 nm
- Cruising speed: Mach 0.85-0.90
- Operating altitude: up to 51,000 feet
This aircraft allows direct connections between London and Southeast Asia, with a single technical stopover to continue to Australia.
Gulfstream G650ER
The G650ER combines high range and one of the highest speeds in the entire business jet category.
- Autonomy: about 7,500 nm
- Maximum speed: up to Mach 0.925
- Altitude: about 50,000 feet
Because of this performance, the Gulfstream G650ER is particularly suitable for intercontinental routes with only one intermediate stop, while maintaining extremely competitive overall flight times.
- Also read our article on Micheal Jordan’s extra luxurious Gulfstream G650ER
Gulfstream G800
The Gulfstream G800 represents the next generation of ultra long-range private jets.
- Declared range: over 8,000 nm under optimal conditions
- Cruising speed: Mach 0.90
- Maximum altitude: 51,000 feet
It is the business jet that comes closest in theoretical terms to being able to cover extreme distances such as London-Sidney, while operationally requiring a stopover for refueling.
Speed and altitude: key advantages of private aviation in such long flights
Ultra long-range private jets regularly fly at altitudes between 45,000 and 51,000 feet, well above most commercial traffic.
This allows:
- more stable air
- lower aerodynamic drag
- High cruising speeds, often exceeding Mach 0.90
On routes of more than 15 hours flight time, these factors significantly affect the efficiency, regularity and overall comfort of the flight.
Technical layovers on London-Sidney routes.
Stopovers for refueling are planned at strategic airports with dedicated business aviation infrastructure.
Airports commonly used for intermediate stopovers between London and Sydney:
- Singapore – ideal hub between Europe and Oceania
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi – natural transit points between Europe and Asia
- Delhi – efficient solution for more direct routes
- Perth – Australia’s main gateway from Europe
In most cases, two stopovers are limited to the time needed for refueling and technical checks.
Are there private jets that can fly nonstop from London to Australia?
Currently no. There are no business jets, even in operational prototype stage, capable of covering more than 9,000 nm while maintaining the safety, load and fuel reserve requirements of civil aviation.
Even the most advanced projects currently remain below this threshold.
Estimated flight times
With only one technical stopover, a private flight from London to Australia (Sydney or Perth) takes on average:
- 18-20 hours of total flight time
- Variable depending on the chosen route, weather conditions, and prevailing winds
The main advantage of the private jet lies in continuity of travel and operational flexibility, key elements on routes of this length.
Can it be done?
- Flying from London to Australia by private jet is perfectly possible today, with proper planning
- Ultra long-range jets such as Global 7500, G650ER, and G800 are the most suitable
- The route requires at least one technical stopover
- No business jet is currently able to operate the nonstop route
The London-Sidney route represents one of the most extreme examples of what modern private aviation can offer in terms of performance, range, and operational capabilities.
