Qantas to launch non-stop Sydney–New York flights from mid-2028

New Ultra-Long-Haul Service Confirmed

Qantas has confirmed it will introduce the world’s first non-stop commercial flights between Sydney and New York, scheduled to commence by mid-2028. This new 18-hour service represents a significant expansion of the airline's ultra-long-haul capabilities under its long-running Project Sunrise initiative.

The route will mark Qantas’s second ultra-long-haul connection confirmed under this project, aiming to directly link Australia with major global hubs. The airline's official X account stated that this new route strengthens one of its most important international markets, responding to the growing demand for travel between Australia and the United States.

Specialised Aircraft and Passenger Comfort

The Sydney–New York service will utilise specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. Qantas is taking delivery of 12 of these aircraft, each fitted with an extra 20,000-litre fuel tank to achieve the necessary range for flights lasting up to 22 hours non-stop. Each aircraft will feature a 238-seat layout across four distinct cabins.

This configuration includes six first-class suites, 52 business suites, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 standard economy seats. Crucially, the design frees up space for dedicated wellbeing zones, offering stretching areas and hydration stations specifically designed to alleviate the rigours of ultra-long-haul air travel.

Route Details and Booking Timeline

The non-stop flight will cover a distance exceeding 16,000 kilometres. This direct connection is projected to reduce the fastest current travel time by approximately four hours, as Qantas's existing route to New York typically involves a stopover in Los Angeles and takes around 21 hours.

According to a report in The Guardian, tickets for this new Sydney–New York route are expected to go on sale in August 2027. The first Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft is anticipated to arrive in Australia in April 2027, ahead of the mid-2028 launch. Qantas also plans to announce further 20-hour direct flights from Perth in the near future.

Implications for Asia-Pacific Travel

This new Qantas service from an Asia-Pacific hub like Sydney to a major North American city sets a new benchmark for ultra-long-haul connectivity in the region.

For travellers and operators in Asia, this development showcases the growing viability of direct, extended routes, potentially influencing other carriers in the Asia-Pacific to explore similar non-stop connections to distant markets.

As demand for travel between Australia and the United States continues its growth trajectory, the success of such routes could encourage investment in long-range aircraft and innovative passenger comfort solutions across the wider Asian aviation sector, particularly for routes connecting Southeast Asia or Northeast Asia to North America or Europe without intermediate stops.