Qantas is set to introduce a groundbreaking nonstop flight between Sydney and New York by mid-2028, marking a significant expansion of its ultra-long-haul network under the Project Sunrise initiative. This new route will eliminate the current stopover in Los Angeles, reducing travel time from approximately 21 hours to 18 hours.
The Sydney-New York flight will be the first of its kind, offering a direct commercial link between Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and New York’s JFK Airport. This initiative follows the airline’s planned Sydney-London nonstop service, scheduled to commence in 2027.
Passengers eager to experience the new nonstop service can expect tickets to become available in August 2027, although Qantas has yet to announce exact fares or the precise launch date. The airline will utilize Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft for the operation, which are specially designed for flights lasting up to 22 hours.
Qantas has placed an order for 12 of these advanced aircraft, each configured with 238 seats across various classes, including first-class suites, business suites, premium economy, and economy cabins. A notable feature of the aircraft is a dedicated “wellbeing zone” situated between the economy and premium economy sections, allowing passengers to engage in exercises and access refreshments during the lengthy journey.
Project Sunrise aims to broaden Qantas’s reach by providing direct, nonstop connections between Australia and major global destinations, enhancing travel convenience for passengers. The first of the A350-1000ULR planes is expected to arrive in Australia in 2027, paving the way for these ambitious routes.