Travelers seeking a seamless journey between Sydney and New York will soon benefit from Qantas’s ambitious expansion of its ultra-long-haul service. By mid-2028, the airline plans to introduce nonstop flights connecting Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and New York’s JFK Airport, dramatically reducing the travel time to approximately 18 hours. This development marks a significant enhancement over the current route, which requires a layover in Los Angeles and totals about 21 hours.
This new service emerges as part of Qantas’s Project Sunrise initiative, aimed at establishing direct connections between Australia and major global destinations. The Sydney-New York route will join another planned ultra-long-haul service from Sydney to London, set to begin in 2027. Tickets for the Sydney-New York flights are expected to be available for purchase in August 2027, although specific fare details and the exact start date remain to be announced.
Qantas will operate these flights using Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, specifically designed for journeys lasting up to 22 hours. The airline has ordered 12 of these advanced planes, each equipped to accommodate 238 passengers across various classes, including first-class suites and business suites. Passengers can also look forward to a unique “wellbeing zone,” located between the economy and premium economy cabins, offering space to stretch, engage in guided exercises, and enjoy snacks and drinks.
With the arrival of the first A350-1000ULR in Australia expected in 2027, Qantas is setting the stage for a new era of travel convenience and comfort. By eliminating the need for stopovers, the airline not only enhances passenger comfort but also strengthens its position in the competitive market of long-distance air travel. Project Sunrise reflects Qantas’s commitment to pioneering direct routes that align with modern travelers’ needs and expectations.
