The Executive’s flight path to London 

Qatar Airways flight QR989, departing Melbourne at 15:15 flight, connecting on QR105 with a 06:25 arrival to Heathrow

Singapore Airlines flight SQ222, departing Sydney at 16:00, connecting on SQ322 with a 05:55 arrival to Heathrow

Etihad flight EY451, departing Sydney at 15:40, connecting on EY61 with a 06:40 arrival to Heathrow 

There are a few options to choose from when it comes to an early morning local-time arrival, which allows you to sleep on the flight overnight. Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Emirates all operate multiple late evening departures that get you on the ground at Heathrow in time for the day to begin.

Flight and stopover durations total between 22-25 hours, so the preference comes down to whether you’d prefer to have more time on the stopover to refresh, or get to your destination sooner.

Qatar Airway’s QR10 allows you to clear customs and reach central London by no later than 8:30am. With travel time no longer than 24 hours – including the Doha stopover – and departing in the evening, travellers can get a bit of sleep on both flights to feel refreshed upon an early morning landing in London.

Singapore Airlines offers a similar flight from Sydney to London on SQ322 at 23:20, covering up to 24 hours of travel, including a Singapore stopover, landing at Heathrow at 05:15.

Etihad’s equivalent departs Sydney at 15:40, arriving at Heathrow at 06:40, following up to roughly 25 hours of travel with an Abu Dhabi stopover.

Emirates flight EK413, departing Sydney at 21:15

Emirates flight EK407, departing Melbourne at 21:15

Offering one of the most unique experiences for business and first class guests is Emirates’ onboard cocktail bar and lounge, available on its routes serviced by the Superjumbo. 

Qatar Airways flight QR909, departing Sydney at 20:45 

Qatar Airways flight QR905, departing Melbourne at 22:45

Qatar Airways flight QR901, departing Perth at 22:45 

The best overall bed option is Qatar’s Qsuite, which delivers a private door and excellent lie-flat beds in business class at 22 inches wide.

Qatar Airways flight QR909, departing Sydney at 20:45 

Qatar Airways flight QR905, departing Melbourne at 22:45

Qatar Airways flight QR901, departing Perth at 22:45 

Emirates flight EK413, departing Sydney at 21:15

Emirates flight EK407, departing Melbourne at 21:15

For seat layouts that let you work comfortably, Qatar and Emirates (on its newer fleet) typically offer strong onboard Wi-Fi packages and good seat-table ergonomics. If a quad seating arrangement for small team meetings matters, Qatar’s quad layout is a unique offering to meet this, and its Starlink Wi-Fi is the best in the sky for connection.  

Qatar Airways, Etihad and Turkish Airlines (but watch sales)

Qatar Airlines, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines often offer the cheapest and best value business class tickets, connecting through Asia or the Middle East to Europe, but always keep an eye out for sales fares. 

All Singapore Airlines flights departing major Australian airports 

Singapore Airlines consistently takes out the best rating for onboard service in the premium cabins – from turndown bed service, ‘book the cook’ catering, extensive inflight entertainment, and the world’s most highly rated cabin crew. 

Best in-flight amenities

All Qatar Airways flights departing major Australian airports 

Qatar Airways is the standout when it comes to on-board amenities in the premium cabin. From The White Company pyjamas to high-end designer amenities provided by Diptyque.

All Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Emirates flights departing major Australian airports

Qatar Airways has the most comprehensive special-meals program covering a wide range of dietary, medical and religious needs, and is well-regarded for in-cabin catering consistency. Corporate Traveller strongly recommends pre-requesting meals at booking or at least 24–48 hours before departure. Qatar is well-regarded for in-cabin catering consistency across cabins. 

Also strong on special-diet handling are Singapore Airlines and Emirates, which both maintain robust special-meal offerings but always require pre-ordering. For travel with Singapore Airlines, travellers can make use of the Book the Cook service to pre-select specific meals ahead of travel. 

Emirates flights EK413 or EK415 departing Sydney

Emirates flight EK405, EK407 or EK409 departing Melbourne

Emirates flight EK421 departing Perth 

If you want significantly more space than economy but not full business, Emirates’ Premium Economy offers wider seats (~19.5" width), up to ~40" pitch and extra recline and footrests on select A380 aircraft. 

All Singapore Airlines flights, and some Qantas flights departing major Australian airports

Singapore Airlines and specific Qantas configurations score well for legroom and overall economy comfort on long sectors. If seat pitch/width is the priority, compare specific aircraft, between the A380 vs 787 vs A350 before booking. 

Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates 

Singapore Airlines has the most comprehensive sustainability program, working towards Net-zero by 2050, and with detailed interim targets. Qatar Airways is known for its technology leadership in sustainability, and Emirates takes the cake by scale of present investment into sustainability. 

Consider airlines’ commitment to and uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which varies. Emirates has started operational SAF deliveries at select airports, including London Heathrow. Qatar has joined initiatives like the First Movers Coalition and publicly states support for SAF scale-up.

Heathrow’s British Airways Lounge (T3/T5) or Windsor VIP Suite (T5) Lounge 

Multiple arrivals lounges on the ground in London Heathrow offer showers, a quick breakfast and fast onward travel to set travellers up nicely for a full day ahead.