Qantas has confirmed that its long-anticipated “Project Sunrise” will begin with a direct Sydney–London service, marking what will become the world’s longest non-stop passenger flight when it launches in October 2027.
The route will span more than 16,000 kilometres and take between 19 and 22 hours, connecting Australia and the United Kingdom without a stop for the first time in aviation history. The airline also unveiled the first of its specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, which will operate the service.
Qantas said the project represents a major milestone in its efforts to reduce journey times between Australia’s east coast and major global destinations. The airline has also confirmed that Sydney–New York will follow as the second Project Sunrise route, with further expansion plans to be announced next year.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Vanessa Hudson described the development as a defining moment in the airline’s history, noting that the company was founded on the idea that Australia’s geographic isolation should not limit global connectivity. She said the introduction of the ultra-long-haul flights continues a decades-long process of reducing stopovers on international routes.
Since Qantas first operated the so-called “Kangaroo Route” between Australia and London in 1947, aircraft technology has steadily reduced the number of refuelling stops required. Hudson said Project Sunrise completes that progression by eliminating stopovers entirely.
The A350-1000ULR aircraft, developed by Airbus specifically for the programme, has been fitted with additional fuel capacity, allowing it to operate for up to 22 hours without refuelling. Each aircraft includes a 20,000-litre auxiliary fuel tank and will carry 238 passengers across four cabin classes.
Qantas will take delivery of 12 of the modified aircraft. The reduced seating configuration is designed to balance passenger comfort with the demands of ultra-long-range travel. The aircraft is significantly less dense than standard A350-1000 models, which can typically carry up to 480 passengers.
The Sydney–London service will surpass the current longest non-stop commercial flight, operated by Singapore Airlines between Singapore and New York, which covers 15,349 kilometres in just under 19 hours. Unlike that service, which does not offer economy seating, Qantas will include 140 economy seats alongside premium cabins.
For comparison, Qantas already operates one of the world’s longest direct flights between London and Perth, a journey of up to 18 hours covering 14,499 kilometres.
A second A350-1000ULR aircraft has already begun its testing and certification programme following its maiden flight earlier this month. Qantas said preparations remain on schedule as it moves toward launching what it describes as a new era in ultra-long-haul aviation.
