Qantas to Launch Non-Stop Flights from Sydney to New York

Qantas has announced plans to launch the first commercial non-stop flight service between Sydney and New York, with the journey expected to commence in mid-2028. This new route is part of the airline's Project Sunrise initiative, which aims to connect Australia directly with major global cities.

The flight is anticipated to take approximately 18 hours, shaving off around three hours compared to the fastest current one-stop options. Tickets for this inaugural service are scheduled to become available in August 2027.

This New York route will be the second route under Project Sunrise. The first, a Sydney to London service, is slated to begin in October 2027. Qantas currently operates a Sydney to New York service that includes a stopover in Auckland.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson stated that the new route fulfills a long-standing goal for the airline. "New York has always captured the imagination, and for generations, reaching it from Australia has meant breaking up the journey somewhere along the way," Hudson said. "From 2028, our customers will be able to board in Sydney and arrive in New York around 18 hours later without stopping once."

London Service Precedes New York Launch

Pioneering the non-stop long-haul experience, Qantas plans to initiate its Sydney to London flights in October 2027. This service is expected to reduce travel time by up to four hours compared to existing one-stop options. Ticket sales for the London route are anticipated to open in February 2027.

These new routes will utilize specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, with Qantas having ordered 12 of these planes. Each aircraft will feature 238 seats across four cabins and an extended 20,000-liter fuel tank, enabling flights of over 16,000 kilometers. The airline has emphasized that the onboard experience has been meticulously designed for ultra-long-haul travel, incorporating considerations for lighting, meal timing, and a dedicated Wellbeing Zone to allow passengers to move and stretch during the flight.

The introduction of these non-stop flights aims to provide travelers with a more direct and convenient way to reach major international destinations, eliminating the need for layovers and connections. The launch dates for both the New York and London services are contingent on the delivery of the aircraft and necessary regulatory approvals.