Toulouse, June 18 - Qantas has selected London as the destination for its groundbreaking first record-breaking non-stop flights under the ambitious Project Sunrise initiative. The Australian national carrier announced daily direct services between Sydney and London Heathrow starting in October 2027, marking a historic milestone in commercial aviation. These ultra-long-haul journeys will cover approximately 17,015 kilometres in up to 22 hours, claiming the title of the world's longest non-stop passenger flight and surpassing current benchmarks like Singapore Airlines' Singapore to New York route. By eliminating stopovers on the traditional Kangaroo Route, Qantas aims to transform travel between Australia and Europe, reducing overall journey times by up to four hours compared to existing one-stop connections via hubs in Asia or the Middle East.
And here's your first look at the 1st @Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR that'll operate Project Sunrise flights in the QF livery.
— Zach Griff (@_ZachGriff) June 17, 2026
First route: London to Sydney, launching in October 2027. pic.twitter.com/IfisLw9qvR
The record-breaking non-stop flights will operate on specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, featuring an additional 20,000-litre centre fuel tank and structural enhancements for extended range. With only 238 seats across premium economy, business, and first-class cabins, the aircraft prioritises passenger comfort on these marathon routes, incorporating dedicated wellbeing zones, stretch areas, and enhanced cabin pressurisation to mitigate fatigue. Qantas has invested heavily in this technology to overcome the tyranny of distance, building on successful test flights and its existing Perth to London non-stop services. This Sydney-to-London direct route represents the inaugural launch of Project Sunrise, with Sydney to New York services expected to follow, ushering in a new era of ultra-long-haul connectivity for travellers seeking seamless journeys to key global destinations.
Demand for Qantas non-stop flights to London is anticipated to be strong, particularly among business and leisure travellers valuing time efficiency and reduced airport hassles. Tickets for the inaugural services will go on sale in February 2027, with fares positioned at a premium of around 20 percent above comparable one-stop options, reflecting the exclusivity and convenience of direct access. The airline's CEO has emphasised the project's role in boosting tourism and trade links, positioning Sydney as a more accessible gateway to Europe. Passengers can expect tailored in-flight experiences designed for long-duration comfort, including optimised lighting, nutrition programs, and entertainment systems to make the extended travel time more enjoyable and restorative.
As aviation enthusiasts and frequent flyers eagerly await these developments, Qantas' commitment to innovation sets a new standard for long-distance air travel. The London route launch not only breaks records but also highlights advancements in aircraft design and passenger wellness that could reshape global flight networks. With delivery of the custom fleet progressing, the initiative promises to redefine expectations for direct flights from Australia's east coast, offering unparalleled convenience for those exploring vibrant cities like London or connecting onward across Europe. This milestone underscores Qantas' leadership in pioneering sustainable and efficient ultra-long-haul operations for the modern traveller.
