Qantas sets 2028 launch for Sydney-New York nonstop, following London route

Key points

• Qantas will start selling seats for the Sydney-New York nonstop in August 2027, with flights beginning in mid-2028.
• The route will take approximately 18 hours, shaving three hours off typical connecting journeys.
• The airline will use the Airbus A350-1000 ULR, featuring an extra 20,000-litre fuel tank and four cabin classes.
• The London-Sydney nonstop, the world's longest at 20 hours, will launch in October 2027.
• Qantas expects to deliver 12 of these aircraft, with the first arriving by April 2027.

Background

This development is part of Qantas' Project Sunrise initiative, which previously launched ultra-long-haul routes from Perth to London, Rome, and Paris. The airline has spent years collaborating with sleep scientists to design lighting and wellness zones to mitigate jet lag. The new routes follow the success of the Perth-London service, which has carried nearly two million passengers since 2018.

How outlets are covering it

CNBC highlights the strategic move to capture premium travelers willing to pay for convenience, noting that Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson cited strong demand for the Perth-London route as justification. The Sydney Morning Herald provides specific financial details, noting that Qantas may charge a 20% premium over connecting flights, with first-class suites potentially reaching $41,000 round-trip. While CNBC focuses on the technological and demand aspects, the Sydney Morning Herald includes caution from travel analyst Mark Trim, who warns that high prices and reliance on a single market like New York could lead to slower sales if travel sentiment shifts. Both outlets agree on the timeline and aircraft specifications but differ in their emphasis on market risks versus growth potential.

Why it matters

The launch of these nonstop routes marks a significant shift in global aviation, challenging the traditional hub-and-spoke model. By offering direct connections between Australia and the US East Coast, Qantas aims to redefine premium travel, potentially setting new standards for comfort and efficiency in ultra-long-haul flights. The success of these routes could influence other airlines to invest in similar ultra-long-range aircraft and services.

What to watch

Qantas will begin selling tickets in August 2027. The first Airbus A350-1000 ULR is expected to be delivered by April 2027. The London-Sydney route will launch in October 2027, followed by the Sydney-New York service in mid-2028. The airline will monitor demand and pricing strategies to ensure the viability of these premium routes.