Qantas Confirms Mid-2028 Launch for 18-Hour Sydney-New York Nonstop

Key points

• Qantas will begin selling tickets for the Sydney-New York nonstop route in August 2027, with service commencing in mid-2028.
• The flight covers 9,950 miles, taking approximately 18 hours eastbound and 20 hours westbound, cutting about three hours off current connecting itineraries.
• The route will be operated by the Airbus A350-1000ULR, featuring extra fuel tanks, 238 seats across four cabins, and a dedicated 'wellbeing zone' for stretching and guided exercises.
• Qantas expects the route to be the world's second-longest flight, behind the Sydney-London service launching in October 2027.
• The airline has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs, with the first arriving in Australia in April 2027; only six will be used for Project Sunrise routes.

Background

Qantas first announced its 'Project Sunrise' concept in 2017, aiming to connect Sydney to London and New York nonstop. Initial launch targets of 2022 and 2025 were delayed by the pandemic and Airbus manufacturing issues. The Sydney-London route is now set to launch in October 2027. Qantas previously operated Sydney-New York service via Auckland, and historically flew the route nonstop in the 1950s and 1960s as part of a round-the-world service.

How outlets are covering it

One Mile at a Time emphasizes the 20-hour westbound duration and the premium-heavy cabin configuration, noting that economy pitch was reduced to 32-34 inches. The Guardian highlights the 'wellbeing zone' and the airline's projection that Project Sunrise will boost earnings by $400 million over five years. CNBC focuses on the business case, citing CEO Vanessa Hudson's claim that demand for ultra-long-haul flights has doubled since 2023, and notes that Singapore Airlines' New York-Singapore route currently holds the world's longest flight title. ABC7 New York provides a straightforward summary of the 18-hour travel time and the aircraft's 20,000-liter fuel tank capacity.

Why it matters

The launch of the Sydney-New York nonstop route marks a significant milestone in ultra-long-haul aviation, testing the viability of 18-20 hour flights for commercial passengers. It reflects growing demand for direct travel to avoid connections and jet lag, and could influence future route planning for other airlines. The route's success will depend on passenger willingness to pay a premium, estimated at 20% more than connecting itineraries.

What to watch

Tickets for the Sydney-New York route go on sale in August 2027. Qantas expects to receive its first A350-1000ULR in April 2027. The airline will train 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew by the time the full fleet arrives. Qantas has also hinted at future 20-hour flights from Perth, though it has abandoned plans for routes from Brisbane or Melbourne.