Qantas Airways announced plans to offer nonstop service between New York and Sydney, with the airline starting to sell tickets for the route next August and actual flight operations beginning in 2028. The route is expected to take approximately 18 hours, positioning it among the world’s longest flights, though not quite the longest currently in operation.
The Singapore Airlines nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Singapore currently holds the designation of world’s longest flight, with flight times reaching up to 19 hours. However, Qantas is set to claim the title of longest flight later this year when it launches nonstop service between London Heathrow and Sydney, with flight times of approximately 20 hours. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson indicated that flight times vary based on direction and time of year.
Hudson told CNBC that demand for the new ultra-long-haul routes has been demonstrated by strong customer interest in Qantas’s existing Perth to London service, which exceeds 17 hours and operates using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Hudson stated that customers are willing to pay premium fares to avoid connecting flights at intermediate airports. The new New York to Sydney route will utilize a specially configured Airbus A350-1000 ULR aircraft, equipped with first class, business class, premium economy, and standard economy cabins, with an extra fuel tank for extended range.
As part of its Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul program, Qantas has collaborated with sleep scientists to research methods for reducing jet lag effects. The airline has implemented strategies including different lighting schemes to help passengers acclimate to time zones at their destinations. Singapore Airlines operates its comparable New York to Singapore route with only business class and premium economy seating configurations.
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