Sydney, Australia – Travelers flying between the United Kingdom and Australia could soon enjoy a faster, uninterrupted journey as Qantas Airways prepares to launch the first-ever non-stop flights connecting London and Sydney.
Under its ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, Qantas plans to introduce these ultra-long-haul services within the next two years, cutting travel time significantly.
Currently, the trip from the UK to Australia spans nearly 30 hours with at least one stopover. The new route aims to reduce the journey to approximately 19 hours, saving passengers up to four hours in travel time.
Project Sunrise is designed to link Australia’s east coast with major global hubs like London and New York. While the airline has not confirmed which route will launch first, both Sydney-London and Sydney-New York services are in development.
Originally scheduled for a 2025 debut, the flights were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions. The revised launch is now set for 2027.
The initiative gets its name from the unique experience passengers will have—witnessing two sunrises during the flight.
Once operational, the Sydney-London route will become the longest commercial flight in the world, surpassing the current 18-hour service between Singapore and New York operated by Singapore Airlines.
The project will officially begin following the arrival of the first 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, expected by late 2026. Speaking at an Airbus event in Toulouse, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed confidence in the demand for these record-breaking ultra-long-haul flights.
Hudson confirmed that three aircraft would be required to operate daily services for either the Sydney-London or Sydney-New York routes. Additional aircraft will follow to expand the airline’s global network.
Highlighting the importance of Project Sunrise, Hudson noted the initiative would be a major step forward in making Australia more connected to the world and enhancing access to global destinations for Australians.
Beyond its range, the flight promises enhanced comfort for passengers. Qantas has revealed designs for its cabin interiors, including features aimed at reducing jet lag.
These include specialized lighting to support sleep cycles and a Wellbeing Zone located between Economy and Premium Economy, offering healthy refreshments and interactive guided movement exercises for improved in-flight wellness.
The aircraft will also dedicate over 4⁸% of its layout to Premium seating, featuring six First-Class suites, 52 Business Class suites, and 40 Premium Economy seats. The remaining 60% will comprise 140 Economy seats and the Wellbeing Zone.
Passengers flying First Class will enjoy luxury suites equipped with a flatbed, reclining armchair, personal workspace, full-length wardrobe, and a 32-inch touchscreen TV with Bluetooth connectivity. Even Economy travelers will benefit from improvements like entertainment touchscreens and USB-C charging ports.
Despite rising anticipation, Qantas has yet to announce ticket prices or confirm when bookings will open.
However, with 2027 approaching, travelers can expect further updates as the airline prepares to make aviation history with its non-stop, record-breaking flights.