Since 2017, we’ve been aware of Qantas’ “Project Sunrise” initiative, in which the airline will operate flights from Sydney to both London (LHR) and New York (JFK), utilizing specialized Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. These flights will be the longest in the world, with passengers spending almost a full day on an airplane without breaks.
We are finally nearing the actual launch of these routes. A few months back, Qantas revealed its plans to start nonstop flights from Sydney to London starting in October 2027, with tickets available for purchase from February 2027. The airline has also disclosed when nonstop New York flights will begin, although we will need to wait for approximately two more years.
Qantas’ historic Sydney to New York flights revealed
Qantas has declared its intention to commence nonstop flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028, with tickets going on sale in August 2027. This will mark the first-ever regularly scheduled nonstop flights linking Australia and New York.
New York will be the second destination for Qantas Project Sunrise
Qantas has been servicing the Sydney to New York route since 1958, as part of its first-round-the-world journey, reaching the city via Fiji, Honolulu, and San Francisco. At present, the airline operates daily flights from Sydney to New York with a stop in Auckland (AKL), utilizing Boeing 787-9s.
The new nonstop flights will reduce travel time by about three hours compared to current one-stop options. Even with the introduction of the nonstop Sydney to New York flight, the airline intends to continue offering its one-stop service via Auckland.
Qantas will roll out this nonstop service once it has five A350-1000ULRs—two aircraft are required for each route, along with a spare. You can anticipate that the flight will take approximately 18 hours heading east and about 20 hours going west, making it a significant journey. At 9,950 miles, it will be the second longest flight globally, following the 10,573-mile flight to London.
As is customary, Qantas excels at generating excitement and publicity for new services. The airline has been endorsing the Project Sunrise concept for a decade and recently celebrated this route with an event in New York.
This is somewhat perplexing, as we’ve been aware this route was forthcoming, and it seems unusual to host an event with the message of “hey, in about a year we’ll begin selling tickets for a flight launching about a year later.” But don’t fret, I’m sure there will be other events as well!
Here’s what Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson shared regarding the Project Sunrise New York service:
“Overcoming the challenges of distance has been a core component of Qantas from the start. Achieving nonstop service to New York fulfills a vision we crafted years ago, and it’s a moment of immense pride for the countless individuals who have diligently worked to bring Project Sunrise to fruition.”
“New York has always ignited the imagination, and for generations, reaching it from Australia has entailed breaks in the journey. Beginning in 2028, our customers will board in Sydney and arrive in New York roughly 18 hours later without any stops, shaving approximately three hours off the current fastest travel time. That transforms what’s feasible for travel between our two nations.”
“Flying such distances is only worthwhile if our passengers arrive feeling their best, and that principle has guided everything we’ve developed. Over the last decade, in collaboration with experts, we’ve crafted the aircraft and onboard experience around the science of ultra-long-haul travel, from lighting to meals to a groundbreaking Wellbeing Zone. This represents a fundamentally new approach to flying.”
Qantas A350-1000ULRs will feature 238 seats across four cabins
Qantas has ordered a total of 12 Airbus A350-1000ULRs, which come equipped with additional fuel tanks and a higher maximum takeoff weight compared to the standard A350-1000, which the airline has also ordered. It’s important to note that the airline plans to utilize only six of these planes for the main Project Sunrise flights, with the others designated for expansion in different markets.
Qantas’ A350-1000ULRs will be specially arranged for long-haul travel, providing a very spacious setting:
– Qantas’ A350-1000ULRs will accommodate just 238 passengers, which is significantly fewer seats than found on most carriers’ A350s.
– The aircraft will offer four classes of service, including six first-class seats, 52 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats.
– Economy class will have 32-34″ of pitch, which is