Qantas is set to elevate its ultra-long-haul offerings with the introduction of nonstop flights between Sydney and New York, slated to commence in mid-2028. This new route will mark the airline’s second ultra-long-haul service under its ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, following the planned Sydney-London route anticipated in 2027.
Currently, Qantas passengers traveling from Sydney to New York must transit through Los Angeles, extending the journey to about 21 hours. The forthcoming direct service is expected to trim travel time to approximately 18 hours, offering a significant time savings for travelers.
The flights will be operated by the Airbus A350-1000ULR, an aircraft designed for journeys lasting up to 22 hours. Qantas has ordered 12 of these aircraft, which will feature 238 seats across various cabin classes, including first-class suites, business suites, premium economy, and economy. A distinctive feature will be a dedicated “wellbeing zone” situated between the economy and premium economy cabins, where passengers can stretch, engage in guided exercises, and access refreshments.
Tickets for the nonstop Sydney-New York service are expected to go on sale in August 2027, though Qantas has yet to announce pricing or the exact start date. The airline anticipates the first delivery of the A350-1000ULR in 2027, aligning with the launch of its Sydney-London service.
Project Sunrise aims to link Australia directly with major global destinations, eliminating the need for stopovers and enhancing connectivity. The introduction of the Sydney-New York route represents a significant step forward in this strategic expansion.