As airlines around the globe continue to expand their ultra-long-haul services, Qantas is stepping up its game by announcing direct flights from Sydney to New York, set to launch in mid-2028. This new route marks a significant expansion under Qantas’ ambitious Project Sunrise program, which aims to connect Australia directly with major international destinations.
The Sydney-New York service will be a groundbreaking addition to the airline’s offerings, as it will be the first scheduled nonstop commercial flight between Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and New York’s JFK Airport. Currently, Qantas operates flights between these two cities with a layover in Los Angeles, resulting in a total travel time of approximately 21 hours. The new direct service is expected to cut this time down to about 18 hours.
The airline plans to use Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft for these flights, specifically designed for journeys lasting up to 22 hours. Qantas has ordered 12 of these planes, each equipped with 238 seats across various classes, including first-class suites, business suites, premium economy, and economy cabins. An innovative feature of these aircraft will be a “wellbeing zone,” located between the economy and premium economy cabins, where passengers can stretch, access guided exercise activities, and enjoy snacks and drinks.
While the exact start date and ticket prices are yet to be announced, Qantas has indicated that tickets for the new Sydney-New York service will become available in August 2027. This route will follow the airline’s planned Sydney-London nonstop service, which is expected to commence in 2027, showcasing Qantas’ commitment to pioneering ultra-long-haul travel.
Project Sunrise represents Qantas’ broader strategy to expand its network and provide passengers with the convenience of direct connections between Australia and key global destinations, eliminating the need for stopovers. The introduction of the Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft is a testament to the airline’s investment in enhancing passenger experience on these extensive flights. With the first of these aircraft scheduled to arrive in Australia in 2027, Qantas is positioning itself at the forefront of long-distance aviation innovation.