Qantas has announced plans to operate nonstop flights between Sydney and New York starting in mid-2028, with ticket sales opening in August 2027. The route represents the second phase of the airline’s Project Sunrise initiative, reducing travel time by at least three hours compared to current stopover flights via Los Angeles. The Sydney to London direct service is scheduled to commence in October 2027, marking the first phase of the expansion.
The ultra long-haul aircraft that will service these routes are Airbus A350–1000ULR jets fitted with additional fuel capacity, enabling flights exceeding 16,000 kilometers. Qantas has ordered 12 of these aircraft, with the first delivery expected in April 2027. A test flight earlier this year covered a distance of 24 hours and 24 minutes from Melbourne to Toulouse, France, establishing a benchmark for extended commercial aviation operations.
Each aircraft will accommodate 238 passengers across multiple cabin configurations, including six first-class suites, 52 business suites, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 standard economy seats. A distinctive feature involves a dedicated “wellbeing zone” positioned between economy and premium economy sections, where passengers can perform stretching exercises, access guided fitness content, and obtain refreshments during the extended flight duration.
Qantas expects the Project Sunrise initiative to generate approximately $400 million in additional revenue over five years, with profit margins projected to increase from current levels of 4% to 10%. The airline noted that demand for New York routes has doubled since 2023. The company is undertaking comprehensive training programs, with plans to prepare more than 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew members to operate the aircraft fleet. The original Project Sunrise launch date of 2022 experienced multiple delays attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent manufacturing delays at Airbus.
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