Qantas Unveils 22-Hour Nonstop Flight From Sydney to London
WHO:
ABC News Business - Qantas Airways is the airline launching the new flight.
Fox Business - Vanessa Hudson is the Qantas Group CEO.
WHAT:
Fox Business - Qantas plans to launch the Sydney-New York route later in 2027, with additional details expected next year.
Simple Flying - The Sydney-New York route is expected to launch towards the end of 2027, with a confirmed date to be announced early next year.
Bloomberg Markets - Qantas will have five A350-1000ULR aircraft by November of the following year, enabling the start of the Sydney-New York route shortly after the Sydney-London launch.
Fox Business - Qantas plans to expand Project Sunrise beyond London, with Sydney-to-New York as the next route, details to be announced next year.
Simple Flying - The Sydney-New York route is expected to launch towards the end of 2027, with a confirmed date to be announced early next year.
Bloomberg Markets - Qantas will have five A350-1000ULR aircraft by November of the following year, enabling the start of the Sydney-New York route shortly after the Sydney-London launch.
ABC News Business - Qantas plans to launch a nonstop flight between London and Sydney.
Fox Business - The flight will last up to 22 hours and is part of Qantas' Project Sunrise initiative.
Simple Flying - The Sydney-London route will become the world's longest scheduled commercial flight.
Fox Business - The flight will reduce travel time by as much as four hours compared to existing one-stop itineraries.
Simple Flying - Qantas will use a fleet of 12 Airbus A350-1000ULR jets for this service.
WHERE:
ABC News Business - The flight will connect Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Fox Business - The aircraft was unveiled at Airbus' manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France.
WHEN:
Fox Business - The nonstop flights will begin operating in October 2027.
Fox Business - Tickets for the flights will go on sale in February 2027.
Simple Flying - The first flight is scheduled for October 2027.
WHY:
Fox Business - The launch is part of Qantas' long-term Project Sunrise initiative, aimed at connecting Australia's east coast with major global destinations.
Fox Business - Qantas cited growing demand for ultra-long-haul travel, with 70% of surveyed Australians indicating they would consider booking such a flight.
HOW:
Simple Flying - The A350-1000ULR will feature a premium-heavy four-class configuration with just 238 total seats, consisting of six first class suites, 52 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats.
Simple Flying - The A350-1000ULR will feature a four-class configuration with a total of 238 seats, including six first class suites, 52 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats.
Fox Business - The Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft has been modified for ultra-long-haul travel, including an additional 20,000-liter fuel tank.
Simple Flying - The A350-1000ULR extends the range of the base A350-1000 model by adding a rear center fuel tank.
(UPDATED June 18, 2026 23:33 UTC)
Qantas is set to launch a new Sydney-New York route towards the end of 2027, with more details expected to be revealed early next year. The airline will have five A350-1000ULR aircraft ready by November of the following year, which will allow them to initiate this route shortly after they start their Sydney-London service. These A350-1000ULR planes will feature a premium-heavy four-class configuration, accommodating just 238 passengers, including six first class suites and 52 business class seats.
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(UPDATED June 18, 2026 16:10 UTC)
Qantas is set to expand its Project Sunrise by adding a new route from Sydney to New York, with details expected to be announced next year. The launch of this route is anticipated towards the end of 2027, following the introduction of five A350-1000ULR aircraft by November of the following year. These aircraft will feature a four-class configuration, accommodating a total of 238 seats, including six first class suites, 52 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats.
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(UPDATED June 18, 2026 14:04 UTC)
Qantas Airways is set to launch a nonstop flight connecting Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and London Heathrow Airport, making it the world's longest scheduled commercial flight. The flight, which is part of Qantas' Project Sunrise initiative, will last up to 22 hours and reduce travel time by as much as four hours compared to existing itineraries, with the first flight scheduled for October 2027. Qantas will operate this service using a fleet of 12 modified Airbus A350-1000ULR jets, designed specifically for ultra-long-haul travel, and tickets will go on sale in February 2027.