Qantas to Offer 18‑Hour Direct Flights to New York
Qantas is set to introduce 18‑hour direct flights between Sydney and New York in mid‑2028, part of its Project Sunrise expansion. The new Airbus A350‑1000ULR aircraft will feature dedicated wellbeing zones and are expected to boost the airline’s profits. The launch follows delays caused by COVID‑19…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Qantas Airways announced that it will begin operating 18‑hour nonstop flights between Sydney and New York in mid‑2028, a move that will shave at least three hours off the current travel time. The new service is part of the airline’s Project Sunrise, a long‑term plan to offer ultra‑long‑haul routes that connect Australian cities directly with major global hubs.
Project Sunrise: From Concept to Reality
Project Sunrise was first unveiled in 2015 as a vision to bring Australians closer to the world. The plan originally targeted a 2022 launch, but the COVID‑19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions delayed the rollout. Qantas subsequently pushed the start date to 2025, then early 2027, before finally setting the Sydney‑to‑New York launch for mid‑2028.
The airline has ordered 12 Airbus A350‑1000ULR aircraft, each fitted with extra fuel tanks that allow the planes to fly over 16,000 kilometres nonstop. The aircraft can stay aloft for up to 22 hours, making them capable of handling the longest commercial routes in the world. The first of the new fleet is expected to arrive in Australia in April 2027.
New Route Details and Passenger Experience
The Sydney‑to‑New York route will be the first commercial direct flight from Sydney Kingsford‑Smith Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Currently, Qantas offers a 21‑hour journey that includes a stopover in Los Angeles, with fares typically exceeding $1,400 one‑way or $1,900 round‑trip. While the airline has not yet released pricing for the new direct flights, it has indicated that tickets could be roughly 20% higher than the stopover fares.
Each A350‑1000ULR will feature a dedicated “wellbeing zone” located between the economy and premium economy cabins. Passengers in this area will have access to stretch areas, guided exercise videos, and complimentary snacks and drinks. The aircraft’s seating configuration includes six first‑class suites, 52 business‑class suites, 40 premium‑economy seats, and only 140 standard‑economy seats out of a total of 238 seats.
Training and Operational Readiness
To prepare for the new routes, Qantas has begun training more than 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew members on the A350‑1000ULR. The airline is also conducting simulator sessions for pilots and engineering training for maintenance staff. By the time the entire fleet arrives, the airline expects to have a fully trained workforce capable of operating the ultra‑long‑haul aircraft.
Financial Impact and Market Demand
Qantas projects that the Project Sunrise flights will generate an additional $400 million in earnings over the next five years. The airline also anticipates a rise in profit margins from the current 4% to 10% as a result of sustained premium flight demand. Demand for flights to and from New York has doubled since 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with short‑term U.S. arrivals to Australia up 4% in the year to July 2026. However, Australians traveling to the U.S. and returning have decreased by 9% in the same period.
Future Expansion and Strategic Focus
Qantas has indicated plans to introduce additional 20‑hour direct flights from Perth in the future. The airline has also dropped earlier intentions to launch routes from Brisbane or Melbourne. The focus remains on establishing a robust network of direct connections between Australian cities and key international destinations.
CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the significance of the launch at a ceremony held in a New York cocktail bar during the United Nations General Assembly. She remarked that the new flights “could change the way Australians travel” and expressed pride in the team that made Project Sunrise a reality.
Tickets for the Sydney‑to‑New York route are expected to go on sale in August 2027, with the exact month of the first flight yet to be confirmed. The airline will reveal launch timings for the London‑to‑Sydney route in 2027, which is scheduled for October 2027.
As Qantas moves closer to realizing its ultra‑long‑haul ambitions, the airline’s commitment to passenger wellbeing and operational excellence positions it to capture a growing market of travelers seeking seamless, comfortable journeys across the globe.
Key facts
- Qantas will launch 18‑hour nonstop flights between Sydney and New York in mid‑2028
- The new Airbus A350‑1000ULR aircraft feature dedicated wellbeing zones
- The airline expects a $400m earnings boost and a rise in profit margins to 10%
- Demand for Sydney‑to‑New York flights has doubled since 2023
- Qantas is training 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew for the new routes
- Tickets for the new route will be available from August 2027
Why it matters
The introduction of nonstop Sydney‑to‑New York flights will significantly reduce travel time for Australians, enhance the airline’s competitive edge, and support the growth of international tourism and business ties between Australia and the United States.
Frequently asked questions
When will Qantas begin flying nonstop between Sydney and New York?
The airline plans to start the 18‑hour nonstop service in mid‑2028, with tickets going on sale in August 2027.
What is the cost difference between the new direct flights and the current stopover flights?
While exact pricing has not been disclosed, Qantas suggests that direct fares could be about 20% higher than stopover fares.
What amenities will passengers find on the new A350‑1000ULR aircraft?
Passengers will have access to a wellbeing zone with stretch areas, guided exercise videos, and complimentary snacks and drinks, along with premium seating options.
How many pilots and crew are being trained for the new routes?
Qantas is training more than 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew members to operate the new ultra‑long‑haul aircraft.
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Qantas announces 18-hour direct flights from Sydney to New York with onboard ‘wellbeing zones’”
