Qantas is preparing to launch the world's longest non-stop commercial passenger flights, connecting Sydney with New York and London using a new fleet of Airbus A350-1000ULR jets. The first of these ultra-long-range aircraft is scheduled to undergo a test flight from Toulouse, France, to Melbourne by July 24, 2026, with the potential for commercial operations to commence by late 2027.
The airline plans to operate a 20-hour non-stop route between Sydney and London, with the first commercial flight under "Project Sunrise" slated for October 2027. Additionally, a non-stop service between Sydney and New York is anticipated by the end of 2027.
Qantas will acquire a total of 12 A350-1000ULRs from Airbus, each costing $330 million. The current record for the longest commercial flight is held by Singapore Airlines, whose service between New York and Singapore lasts 18 hours and 50 minutes over 15,349 km.
To enhance passenger comfort on these record-breaking journeys, Qantas has incorporated a "wellness zone," a feature described as the first of its kind. Passengers will have access to healthy refreshments designed for optimal hydration at high altitudes. The wellness zone is also equipped with handles to facilitate exercises, serving as a social and physical activity space.
Australian designer David Caon, who has been involved since 2018, collaborated with a team to balance aesthetic decisions with practical considerations such as aircraft weight, safety, and maintainability. Qantas partnered with the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre to develop strategies for mitigating jet lag. These strategies include customized lighting that mimics the Australian Outback's light quality and meal services timed to align with circadian rhythms.
Analysts predict these new routes will provide Qantas with a significant competitive edge in the global market. The airline anticipates doubling its international operations' profit in the first year after introducing the new aircraft. This strategic shift towards non-stop, premium service is seen as a response to increased competition from low-cost and state-sponsored carriers over the past two decades.