Qantas Airways is preparing to start selling tickets in August 2027 for its upcoming nonstop flight between New York and Sydney, which is scheduled to launch in 2028. This flight will take approximately 18 hours, making it one of the longest nonstop routes in the world. The airline is using the Airbus A350-1000 ULR (ultra-long range) aircraft, equipped with an additional fuel tank to support the extended distance of this marathon journey.

Following this launch, Qantas aims to introduce an even longer nonstop flight from London Heathrow to Sydney in October 2028. This London-Sydney route will take about 20 hours, potentially becoming the world’s longest nonstop flight. These developments are part of Qantas’s Project Sunrise, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering premium, direct travel options without the inconvenience of layovers.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the strong customer demand behind these ultra-long-haul flights, referencing the success of the Perth to London route, which has been operating for years and lasts over 17 hours. The new Airbus A350-1000 ULR aircraft will feature multiple cabin classes including first-class, business, premium economy, and economy seats, designed to cater to travelers willing to pay a premium for nonstop service.

For these ultra-long flights, Qantas has collaborated with sleep scientists to mitigate the effects of jet lag by implementing innovative cabin lighting and other wellness initiatives. This approach reflects the airline’s focus on passenger comfort and health during extended air travel, as it ventures into offering some of the longest nonstop routes worldwide.