Qantas Airways plans to launch the first nonstop commercial flight between New York and Sydney by mid-2028, an 18-hour journey that will be the second route in its Project Sunrise initiative. The Sydney-London route, taking about 22 hours, will debut first in October 2027, becoming the world's longest commercial passenger service, surpassing Singapore Airlines' 19-hour New York-Singapore flight. Both routes will use 12 Airbus A350-1000 ULR jets, each with a 5,280-gallon fuel tank capable of 22-hour flights. The first aircraft arrives in April, though full fleet delivery may take over two and a half years.

CEO Vanessa Hudson said customers are willing to pay a premium for nonstop travel, noting the London-Perth route is Qantas's best commercially performing service. The new jets will carry 238 passengers across four cabins, with premium seating occupying 40% of the plane. Tickets for Sydney-London go on sale February 2027, Sydney-New York in August 2027, with a potential 20% premium over one-stop fares. Melbourne routes remain a priority but will follow progressively.