Qantas has announced plans to launch the world’s first nonstop flights between Sydney and London, as well as Sydney and New York, beginning in October 2027 and the following year, respectively. These ultra-long-haul routes are part of the airline’s ambitious “Project Sunrise,” aiming to connect Australia’s East Coast to major global cities without stops.
The initiative was made possible by the development of the Airbus A350-1000ULR, an aircraft equipped with a fifth fuel tank that enables nonstop flights lasting up to 22 hours. This aircraft was specially designed to meet Qantas’s call for a plane capable of traveling unprecedented distances. It will carry 238 passengers across four cabins, including a premium first-class section featuring six enclosed suites with 80-inch flat beds, reclining armchairs, and versatile spaces for work or dining.
Passenger comfort and wellness are key focuses of the new service. Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the airline’s collaboration with Australia's Charles Perkins Centre to design an onboard experience based on scientific insights into the physical needs of long-haul travelers. The aircraft will include a dedicated “wellbeing zone” featuring stretching handles, a digital movement program, and a hydration station to help passengers maintain wellness during the extended journey. The cabin will also feature an advanced inflight entertainment system supporting 15 languages, as well as fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Industry experts view Project Sunrise as a major advancement in commercial aviation. Lachlan Hyde, president of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia, noted that direct flights of this length address one of the last challenges in scheduled air travel by economically linking nearly any two major cities nonstop. He recalled that the first Sydney to London flight in 1947 took four days with seven stops, and this project now eliminates the need for layovers between the two cities.
Travel analysts also emphasize the potential impact on tourism and international travel dynamics. Michael McCormick, co-founder of Travel Again Advisory in Washington, D.C., explained that while New Zealand has long benefited from direct flights to North America, Australia has faced challenges due to the lack of nonstop options, requiring many travelers to endure connections or longer travel times. The introduction of Project Sunrise is expected to reduce these barriers, enhancing Sydney’s competitiveness as a destination for premium leisure and business travelers.
Experts also suggest the project’s broader significance lies not only in breaking distance records but in addressing the commercial and operational challenges of ultra-long-haul flights. If successful, Qantas’s efforts could influence how airlines plan routes globally, potentially reshaping the landscape of international air travel.