Qantas plans to start selling tickets next August for its first nonstop New York–Sydney service, with flights planned for 2028 and an estimated journey of about 18 hours—close to today’s longest nonstop route.
Qantas also plans to launch nonstop flights between London and Sydney next October, with a journey of about 20 hours. The route would surpass Singapore Airlines’ New York–Singapore service, which can take more than 19 hours, as the world’s longest nonstop flight. Flight times vary by direction and time of year.
Qantas plans to use Airbus A350-1000 ULR aircraft with an extra fuel tank and first, business, premium economy and economy cabins. CEO Vanessa Hudson said strong demand for the airline’s more-than-17-hour Perth–London service suggests customers are willing to pay a premium to avoid connections. Under Project Sunrise, Qantas has also worked with sleep scientists on jet lag and explored lighting to help passengers adjust to their destination’s time zone.