SYDNEY, Sept. 23, 2026 — Qantas has confirmed plans to launch non-stop flights between Sydney and New York from mid-2028, marking the first scheduled non-stop commercial service connecting Australia’s east coast with the US city.

The new route will form part of Qantas’ ambitious Project Sunrise program and is expected to cut more than three hours from current one-stop journeys between Sydney and New York. The airline estimates the non-stop flight will take around 18 hours.

Tickets for the inaugural Sydney–New York service are scheduled to go on sale from August 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and aircraft certification.

The New York route will become the second Project Sunrise service after Sydney–London, which is scheduled to begin in October 2027. Qantas currently operates a daily one-stop Sydney–New York service via Auckland.

Airbus A350-1000ULR to Operate Flights

The ultra-long-haul services will be operated using specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. Qantas says the aircraft will feature an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank, allowing it to fly more than 16,000 kilometres and remain airborne for up to 22 hours.

Qantas has ordered 12 Project Sunrise A350-1000ULRs, each configured with 238 seats across four cabin classes. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in April 2027.

The aircraft is designed specifically for ultra-long-haul operations, with Qantas highlighting its dedicated Wellbeing Zone, specialised lighting, onboard connectivity and cabin features aimed at improving passenger comfort during flights lasting close to 20 hours.

Qantas pilots have already begun training on Australia's first A350 simulator in Sydney. More than 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew are expected to receive training for the Project Sunrise fleet.

Growing Demand for Non-Stop Travel

Qantas says demand for travel between Australia and the United States continues to increase. US visitor arrivals to Australia have risen 5 percent year-on-year, while demand for travel between Sydney and New York on Qantas has nearly doubled since 2023.

The airline also said its research indicates growing passenger interest in ultra-long-haul non-stop flights, particularly among premium travellers.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson described the Sydney–New York service as the completion of a long-standing ambition to overcome the geographical distance separating Australia from major global destinations.

With Sydney–London and Sydney–New York, Project Sunrise is set to create direct links between Australia's east coast and two of the world's most important international travel markets, eliminating the need for an intermediate stop.

Source: Qantas Newsroom