Qantas Airways has designated London as the inaugural destination for its ambitious Project Sunrise, which will offer the world's longest non-stop commercial flight from Sydney. This roughly 20-hour journey eliminates the traditional stopover on the "Kangaroo Route," significantly cutting down the current 24-25 hour travel time via Singapore. The airline plans to commence ticket sales in February 2027, with flights officially launching in October 2027. Project Sunrise will utilize 12 specialized Airbus A350-1000ULR jets, modified to fly up to 22 hours with 238 passengers onboard, and will also include non-stop services to New York.
The project represents a substantial investment for Qantas, involving billions of dollars in aircraft, cabin enhancements, and extensive research into mitigating the effects of jet lag and discomfort on ultra-long flights. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson anticipates these non-stop flights will command a premium, similar to the 20% premium observed on its Perth-London flights compared to one-stop alternatives across all four cabin classes. Aviation analysts like John Strickland concur, stating a premium, especially in business and premium economy, is essential for the project's profitability, as customers are essentially paying for time saved.
Qantas estimates Project Sunrise could boost its annual earnings by more than A$400 million ($283 million). Analysts from Jefferies also expect a positive market reception for the London flights. The first of the 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft, named 'Vega', is scheduled for delivery in April 2027, a delay of approximately five years from the original plan due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions. These new jets feature an extra fuel tank, increasing their range by 1,800 kilometers (1,000 nautical miles).
The Sydney-London route, saving passengers up to 4 hours compared to the fastest one-stop services, is seen as a major draw. Qantas aims to replicate the high customer satisfaction achieved on its non-stop Perth-London route, which utilizes Boeing 787s. This initiative, first conceived in 2017, involved challenging Airbus and Boeing to develop aircraft capable of such extreme ultra-long-haul operations, effectively conquering the "tyranny of distance" that has historically characterized travel from Australia.
