Qantas Plans Nonstop Sydney–New York Flights
Qantas Plans Nonstop Sydney–New York Flights
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Qantas’ A350-1000ULR aircraft will carry an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank, enabling flights of more than 16,000 kilometers and up to 22 hours nonstop. The airline plans to take delivery of 12 aircraft, each with 238 seats across four cabins.
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Qantas says it has worked with sleep scientists for years on ways to reduce the effects of jet lag, including using tailored cabin-lighting schemes to help passengers adjust to their destination time zone.
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Air Canada’s long-haul expansion is being driven partly by a sharp increase in narrowbody operations: Airbus A321XLR use has expanded substantially, while Boeing 737 MAX 8 deployment has doubled during the period examined. The airline’s new Sapporo service will become its shortest route to Asia, covering about 3,726 nautical miles each way.
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British Airways will operate Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the revised London–Buenos Aires–Santiago routing, replacing its current nonstop service. The airline will raise Santiago frequency to daily, compared with three to four weekly nonstop flights currently.
Qantas is launching nonstop Sydney–New York flights in early 2028, marking the first direct service between Australia and the US East Coast. Nine reports tickets will go on sale in August 2027, with flights taking 18 to 22 hours depending on conditions. The service cuts more than three hours from current one-stop journeys.
The airline will use specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft with an extra 20,000-litre fuel tank, enabling flights over 16,000 kilometres. ABC7NY notes each plane carries 238 seats across four cabins. Qantas plans 13 ultra-long routes during 2026–27 winter, including Perth–London and new Sydney–Las Vegas service.
A350 Aircraft Engineered for Sleep and Endurance
Qantas' new jets are built for passenger comfort on marathon flights. Financial Times reports the A350-1000ULR carries 238 seats across four cabins with premium pricing around 20% above standard routes. Return first-class fares are estimated at about A$40,000 (roughly US$26,000).
The airline worked with sleep scientists for years to reduce jet lag effects. Yahoo Lifestyle explains tailored cabin-lighting schemes help passengers adjust to destination time zones. Qantas plans to take delivery of 12 aircraft, with each plane costing significantly more than conventional long-range jets.
Project Sunrise Expands Across Four Continents
Beyond Sydney–New York, Qantas is plotting 13 ultra-long routes. Escape News confirms flights will exceed 22 hours on select routes. The winter 2026–27 season launches Perth–London, Sydney–Las Vegas, and expanded New Zealand service. All routes use the fuel-hungry A350-1000ULR.
The CEO announced the expansion is profitable despite high jet fuel prices from the Iran conflict. Financial Times reports Vanessa Hudson stated the airline expects the service to break even. Project Sunrise represents Qantas' boldest expansion in decades, betting passengers will pay premium fares for speed and direct travel.
Air Canada and British Airways Chase Long-Haul Growth
Qantas isn't alone in ultra-long expansion. Air Canada plans 57 daily long-haul departures through July 2027, up 12% year-over-year. The airline adds 11 new or returning routes and doubles Boeing 737 MAX deployment. Its new Sapporo service becomes the shortest Asian route at 3,726 nautical miles each way.
British Airways will restore London–Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur and launch London–Kilimanjaro–Zanzibar service. The airline replaces nonstop London–Santiago flights with daily routing via Buenos Aires, taking about 18 hours. Boeing 777-200ER aircraft will operate the revised service, raising Santiago frequency from three weekly to daily.
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