Published on
November 13, 2025
Qantas is set to revolutionize ultra-long-haul travel with its upcoming nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York, set to launch in 2027. This groundbreaking service, powered by the innovative Airbus A350-1000ULR, will significantly reduce flight times, cutting up to four hours off the current travel duration. By offering a faster and more efficient route, Qantas is not only setting new benchmarks in aviation but also enhancing the in-flight experience with premium comfort features, wellness zones, and cutting-edge technology designed to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey for passengers.
Qantas is set to revolutionize long-haul air travel with its upcoming nonstop flights between Sydney and two major global hubs — London and New York. The airline’s innovative new Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft promises an unprecedented flying experience, allowing passengers to enjoy the sensation of watching the sunrise twice during a single flight. This groundbreaking service, which is part of Qantas’ “Project Sunrise,” will significantly reduce travel time and enhance the comfort of long-distance flights.
The Airbus A350-1000ULR is currently in the final stages of its assembly at a factory in Toulouse, France. Qantas recently shared the first images of the aircraft on social media, revealing the progress made in its construction. The fuselage sections — forward, center, and rear — are now joined together, along with the wings, tail section, and landing gear. In the coming weeks, the plane will be moved to a new hangar, where engines and flight test instruments will be installed. These essential components will ensure the aircraft is ready for safety testing before it begins carrying passengers.
Once completed, the Airbus A350-1000ULR will offer direct, nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York, which currently require at least one layover and take up to 22 hours. Thanks to the new service, Qantas will reduce travel times by up to four hours, with nonstop flights expected to take just 17 to 18 hours. This dramatic reduction in travel time will provide a more efficient option for those making the long journey between Australia and these key international destinations.
“Project Sunrise” is a major initiative by Qantas to improve connectivity between Australia and the world’s largest cities while offering a premium flying experience. The new Airbus A350-1000ULR was specifically designed with passengers’ wellbeing in mind. By collaborating with medical experts and scientists who specialize in flight health, Qantas has created an aircraft that maximizes comfort and minimizes the physical strain of long-haul travel.
Qantas worked closely with design teams, chefs, and experts from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to design the cabin with passenger health in mind. The result is a spacious, comfortable interior that promotes relaxation, productivity, and overall well-being during the long flight. The aircraft is equipped with a 20,000-litre fuel tank, allowing it to fly nonstop for up to 22 hours, making it perfect for ultra-long-haul routes.
One of the standout features of the A350-1000ULR is the spacious cabin, designed to provide passengers with ample room to stretch, move, and relax. With just 238 seats, the aircraft offers significantly fewer passengers than the typical A350-1000, which usually accommodates around 400 passengers. This reduced seating capacity allows for larger personal spaces and a more comfortable environment during the flight.
Additionally, the aircraft will feature a dedicated “Wellbeing Zone,” where passengers can take breaks, stretch, and enjoy healthy snacks and drinks. This area is specifically designed to help passengers stay energized and comfortable on the long journey, ensuring that they feel refreshed when they arrive at their destination.
Passengers will also enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected for work or entertainment during the flight. The Airbus A350-1000ULR also offers Bluetooth audio connectivity across all devices, so passengers can enjoy their own entertainment without having to deal with cumbersome cables.
The new Airbus A350-1000ULR will feature four distinct classes of service: First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. Each cabin has been designed to offer maximum comfort, privacy, and convenience for passengers, with different options depending on budget and preference.
In First Class, passengers can expect the highest level of luxury, with fully enclosed cabins that provide maximum privacy. Each seat transforms into an 80-inch (2-meter) flat bed, and there’s a separate reclining armchair for extra relaxation. Business Class passengers will also enjoy ample privacy with the introduction of suites that come with sliding doors. The modern design of Business Class cabins provides a comfortable and spacious environment, ensuring a pleasant experience for those traveling for work or leisure.
Premium Economy offers a stylish blend of comfort and convenience, with adjustable winged privacy headrests and calf rests to ensure passengers can fully stretch their legs. Economy Class will offer more room than usual, with a 33-inch seat pitch. Each seat comes with a 13.3-inch entertainment touchscreen, Bluetooth audio, and plenty of legroom.
Qantas is set to revolutionize ultra-long-haul travel with nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York, reducing flight times by up to four hours. The Airbus A350-1000ULR will deliver a faster, more efficient journey while offering premium comfort and wellness features for an enhanced flying experience.
Qantas is set to launch the nonstop flights in the first quarter of 2027. This new service will provide a seamless and luxurious travel experience for passengers between Sydney and two of the world’s most important cities. By reducing travel time and enhancing the in-flight experience, Qantas is ushering in a new era of long-haul travel.
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