Qantas Airways announced plans to offer nonstop service between New York and Sydney, with ticket sales commencing next August and operations beginning in 2028. The route is expected to take approximately 18 hours, positioning it among the world’s longest flights currently in operation.
The new transatlantic service will operate using Airbus A350-1000 ULR aircraft, which feature ultra-long-range capability through additional fuel tank capacity. Passenger configurations will include first class, business class, premium economy, and standard economy cabins, distinguishing it from competitor offerings on similar routes. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson indicated that the airline is building on the success of its existing Perth-to-London service, which operates at over 17 hours and has demonstrated strong customer demand for premium ultra-long-haul travel.
The route will rank among the longest commercial flights, though falling slightly short of Qantas’s own planned London Heathrow to Sydney service launching next fall with approximately 20-hour flight times. Singapore Airlines currently operates the longest regular nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Singapore, which can exceed 19 hours depending on direction and seasonal factors.
As part of its Project Sunrise initiative, Qantas has conducted extensive research with sleep scientists to address jet lag and passenger comfort on extended journeys. The airline has implemented design features such as specialized lighting schemes to help passengers acclimate to destination time zones. Hudson noted that customer research indicates significant demand for nonstop options among travelers seeking to avoid connecting flights at intermediate airports.
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