Explained in plain English

Do non-stop flights save fuel?

Surprisingly, non-stop flights like Qantas's Project Sunrise can sometimes use more fuel per passenger than flights with a stop. This is because the plane needs to carry extra fuel for the entire journey, making it heavier. A heavier plane burns more fuel, especially during take-off and climb.

Stories that explain this

Qantas to launch 22-hour non-stop flights to London

Questions this opens up

Why are planes so heavy? What is optimal cruising altitude? Does wind affect fuel use?

This explainer came from a news story

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