Qantas sets nonstop Sydney–New York launch

Long-range airliner on runway symbolizing new nonstop Sydney–New York ultra long-haul route and earnings lift

Key Points

01Qantas will start 18-hour nonstop Sydney–New York flights from mid-2028
02The route is Project Sunrise’s second ultra long-haul service after Sydney–London
03New Airbus A350-1000ULR jets will feature a dedicated inflight wellbeing zone
04Qantas forecasts Project Sunrise to add $400m to earnings over five years

Qantas details nonstop Sydney–New York plans

Qantas will launch nonstop flights between Sydney and New York from mid‑2028, offering a scheduled flight time of about 18 hours. The airline said this will be the first commercial direct service from Sydney’s Kingsford‑Smith airport to New York’s JFK. Tickets for the new route are planned to go on sale in August 2027, ahead of the start of operations in 2028.

The new service is positioned as part of Qantas’s broader ultra long‑haul strategy under Project Sunrise. It is intended to reduce total travel time compared with the current Sydney–New York journeys, which operate via a stopover and take about 21 hours. Current one‑stop fares were reported as typically costing more than $1,400 one way or more than $1,900 return.

Project Sunrise network expansion

The Sydney–New York flights will be the second ultra long‑haul route in Project Sunrise. Qantas plans to launch direct Sydney–London services in October 2027, ahead of the New York start. Together, the two city pairs are intended to anchor the airline’s nonstop links from Australia’s east coast to major northern hemisphere hubs.

Qantas expects that Project Sunrise flights, combined with sustained demand for premium cabins, will have a significant financial impact. The airline has projected an earnings increase of $400m over the next five years from these services. It also forecasts that overall profit margins will rise from about 4% to 10% as the new routes ramp up.

A350-1000ULR fleet and capabilities

To operate these long sectors, Qantas has ordered 12 Airbus A350‑1000ULR aircraft. These jets are fitted with extra fuel tanks that enable ranges of more than 16,000 km and up to 22 hours of nonstop flying. The first A350‑1000ULR is expected to arrive in Australia in April 2027, ahead of the Sydney–London launch and the subsequent New York start.

Each Project Sunrise A350‑1000ULR will be configured with 238 seats across four cabins. The layout includes six first‑class suites, 52 business suites, 40 premium economy seats and 140 standard economy seats. This mix reflects an emphasis on premium seating for the ultra long‑haul missions.

Inflight wellbeing and passenger experience

Qantas has highlighted a dedicated inflight wellbeing zone as a feature of the new aircraft. Located between the economy and premium economy cabins, the space will allow passengers to stretch during the flight. It will also offer guided exercise videos on screens and access to self‑serve snacks and drinks.

The wellbeing zone is intended to address the physical demands of flights of up to 18 hours between Sydney and New York. Qantas is incorporating the feature across its A350‑1000ULR fleet used for Project Sunrise routes. Chief executive Vanessa Hudson described the move to nonstop New York as completing a long‑held vision for the airline’s network.

Key Takeaways

01Project Sunrise is shifting Qantas’s network toward ultra long-haul, nonstop links between Australia and key global cities.
02Investment in A350-1000ULR aircraft and premium-heavy cabins underpins Qantas’s plan to lift overall profit margins.
03Dedicated wellbeing zones signal a focus on passenger comfort as flights approach 18 to 22 hours in duration.

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