Qantas’s New York-to-Sydney ‘Project Sunrise’ Flights to Take Off in 2028

Live updates

1. 17d ago

   Qantas Prepares Fleet for Project Sunrise With Airbus A350-1000s

   Qantas schedules direct flights between Sydney and New York for mid-2028 with an 18-hour operating timeline. These routes form part of the Project Sunrise network expansion, which includes non-stop operations scheduled across 2027 and 2028 featuring onboard wellbeing zones. To support this ultra-long-haul strategy, the carrier is executing the largest fleet renewal program in its history. This initiative systematically replaces older Boeing 737-800, Airbus A330, and Airbus A380 aircraft with new Airbus A321XLR, Airbus A350-1000, and Boeing 787 models to modernize its operations.

   Why it matters

   The extensive modernization effort addresses a prolonged period of deferred investment throughout the 2010s that elevated the average age of the aircraft. That aging profile previously drew sustained criticism from credit-rating analysts and aviation commentators. By introducing advanced airframes, the carrier aims to connect Australia directly to major global hubs while upgrading its overall operational capabilities.

   What is confirmed

   • Qantas operates a fleet containing Airbus A321XLR, Airbus A330, Airbus A380, Boeing 737, and Boeing 787 aircraft, excluding subsidiaries.
   • The carrier is undertaking the largest fleet renewal program in its history, progressively replacing older types with Airbus A321XLR, Airbus A350-1000, and Boeing 787 aircraft.
   • The fleet renewal program followed a period of deferred aircraft investment during the 2010s that increased the average age of the fleet.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of specific aircraft deliveries for the Project Sunrise launch.
   • Updates on the 2027 and 2028 non-stop operation schedule.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — Qantas fleet - Wikipedia
   2. simpleflying.com — Why Qantas Quietly Killed Its Nonstop Perth-London Flight In 2026
   confidence 100%
2. 20d ago

   Qantas Project Sunrise Flights to Sydney Launch in Mid-2028

   Qantas will introduce direct flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028, operating on an 18-hour schedule. The carrier plans to feature onboard wellbeing zones as part of its ultra-long-haul expansion strategy. These new routes form part of the broader Project Sunrise network development, which includes upcoming non-stop operations scheduled through 2027 and 2028. Passengers will experience specialized cabins designed for very long durations in the air as the airline connects Australia directly to major global hubs.

   Why it matters

   The expansion reflects ongoing industry efforts to connect distant global markets without intermediate stops. Ultra-long-haul routes require specialized aircraft configurations and operational planning to manage passenger comfort and crew scheduling over nearly a full day of continuous flight. Qantas has adjusted its rollout timeline from earlier projections to the newly targeted window.

   What is confirmed

   • Qantas will launch direct flights from Sydney to New York in mid-2028.
   • The direct journey will take 18 hours.
   • Flights will feature onboard wellbeing zones as part of the Project Sunrise expansion.
   • Ultra-long-haul routes are scheduled to come online in 2027 and 2028.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Sydney to New York and Sydney to London services were previously indicated to begin in the first half of 2027 in cabin review materials.

   What to watch next

   • Official announcements regarding ticket sale launch dates
   • Further disclosures on aircraft delivery schedules for the Airbus fleet
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. simpleflying.com — WestJet Holds The Contractual Boeing 737 MAX 10 Launch Title, But Alaska Airlines Keeps Talking Louder
   2. rocketnews.com — Qantas announces 18-hour direct flights from Sydney to New ...
   3. simpleflying.com — Qantas’ Longest Flights In 2026: Inside Australia’s Ultra ...
   4. cabin.coach — Qantas Project Sunrise Business Class Review (A350-1000ULR)
   confidence 100%
3. 23d ago

   Qantas Sets Project Sunrise New York-to-Sydney Flights for 2028

   Qantas will launch non-stop Project Sunrise flights connecting Sydney and New York in mid-2028. The 18-hour journey on Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft will reduce existing travel times by three hours. The aircraft features 238 seats across four classes, including six First suites and a designated Wellbeing Zone. Previous announcements had targeted an earlier launch year before adjustments pushed the operational timeline to 2028. Tickets are anticipated to go on sale in August 2027.

   Why it matters

   Project Sunrise represents a major push by Qantas to capture ultra-long-haul travel demand by removing intermediate stops between Australia and the US East Coast. The airline faced public criticism from frequent flyer Greg Norman, who labeled the carrier outdated and unreliable on social media. Meanwhile, the broader carrier operations experienced unrelated disruptions, including a Rome-to-Perth flight grounded due to bed bugs.

   What is confirmed

   • Qantas will fly Sydney to New York non-stop from mid-2028 on the A350-1000ULR.
   • The flight time will be around 18 hours.
   • The aircraft will feature 238 seats across four classes, six First suites and a Wellbeing Zone.
   • Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Frequent flyer Greg Norman blasted Qantas online as outdated and unreliable, saying the airline needed to bring back the pride in The Spirit of Australia.

   What to watch next

   • Official ticket release announcements in August 2027
   • Further updates on the Airbus A350-1000ULR delivery schedule for Qantas
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.hollywoodreporter.com — The Hollywood Reporter - Movie news, TV news, awards news, lifestyle ...
   2. stockanalysis.com — Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) Stock Price & Overview
   3. www.hollywoodreporter.com — How to Spend a Few Days in Victoria, Australia: "Vibes are Immaculate"
   4. www.luxvisor.com — Qantas Project Sunrise: Sydney to New York Non-Stop | Luxvisor
   5. www.smh.com.au — Company | QAN | Qantas News, Analysis, Announcements and ...
   6. www.theage.com.au — Chris Zappone | The Age
   7. rocketnews.com — Qantas announces 18-hour direct flights from Sydney to New ...
   confidence 100%
4. 28d ago

   Qantas Delays 'Project Sunrise' Flights to 2028

   Qantas will start non-stop flights between Sydney and New York in 2028, not 2025 as previously announced. The 18-hour flights will be operated on specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft with 238 seats across four classes. Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027.

   Why it matters

   The delayed launch of 'Project Sunrise' flights will impact Qantas's long-haul travel offerings. The airline aims to cut over three hours off the current fastest travel time between Sydney and New York. This development is crucial for Qantas's expansion plans and competitiveness in the airline industry.

   What is confirmed

   • Qantas will begin operating non-stop flights from Sydney to New York in 2028.
   • The flights will be operated on specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft with 238 seats across four classes.
   • Tickets for the flights are expected to go on sale in August 2027.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Qantas' 'Project Sunrise' was initially expected to launch in 2025.

   What to watch next

   • Qantas's ticket sales and revenue from the new flights
   • The airline's fuel costs and Pacific demand for the non-stop flights
   • Regulatory approvals for the new flight routes
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. londondaily.com — Qantas promises direct flights from Sydney to London and New York ...
   2. itchol.com — Qantas' Airbus A350-1000ULR: Unveiling the World's Longest-Range ...
   3. www.afr.com — QAN News, Analysis, Announcements & Results | Qantas Airways ...
   4. kalkinemedia.com — How Will Qantas (ASX:QAN) Make Its New York Nonstops Pay?
   confidence 80%
5. 30d ago

   Qantas to Launch 18-Hour Non-Stop New York-Sydney Flights in 2028

   Qantas will start non-stop flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028, cutting over three hours off the current fastest travel time. The 18-hour flights will be operated on specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft with 238 seats across four classes. Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027.

   Why it matters

   This will be the first-ever non-stop airline connection between the two cities. The flights are part of Qantas's 'Project Sunrise' initiative, which aims to establish ultra-long-haul routes. The Sydney-New York route is the second confirmed Project Sunrise route, following the Sydney-London service scheduled to launch in October 2027.

   What is confirmed

   • Qantas will launch non-stop flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028.
   • The flights will take around 18 hours.
   • The route will be operated with Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft configured with 238 seats across four classes.
   • Ticket sales are expected to begin as early as August 2027.

   What to watch next

   • Qantas's ticket sales for the Sydney-New York flights
   • The launch of the Sydney-London service in October 2027
   • Further updates on Qantas's Project Sunrise initiative
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. en.traicy.com — Qantas to Launch Nonstop Sydney–New York Flights in Mid-2028
   2. www.thestar.com.my — First non-stop New York to Sydney flight to take off in 2028
   3. rocketnews.com — Qantas announces 18-hour direct flights from Sydney to New ...
   4. avalw.com — Qantas is betting the farm on 18 hour flights | AVALW
   confidence 100%
6. 36d ago

   Qantas to Launch Non-Stop New York-Sydney Flights in 2028

   Qantas will start non-stop flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028, operated on specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. The 18-hour flights will cut over three hours off the current fastest travel time. This will be the first-ever non-stop airline connection between the two cities. Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027.

   Why it matters

   The new route is part of Qantas's 'Project Sunrise' initiative, which aims to establish non-stop flights between Australia and major destinations in the United States and Europe. The introduction of this route will significantly reduce travel time and provide more convenient options for passengers. Qantas has previously announced plans for non-stop flights to London under the same project.

   What is confirmed

   • Qantas will launch non-stop Sydney-New York flights in 2028
   • The flights will be operated on specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft
   • The estimated flight time will be 18 hours
   • Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027
   • A 20,000 liter fuel tank will provide the endurance required to operate flights over 20 hours long

   What to watch next

   • Qantas's announcement of additional 'Project Sunrise' destinations
   • Confirmation of aircraft delivery dates for the Airbus A350-1000ULR
   • Ticket sales for the new route starting in August 2027
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. flightsmilesandpoints.com — Qantas Announces a New "Project Sunrise" Destination in the US
   2. rocketnews.com — Qantas to start selling tickets next year for its New York to ...
   3. simpleflying.com — Why Qantas' Project Sunrise Airbus A350 Needs A Fuel Tank No Other Airline Has Ever Ordered
   4. www.travelcoordination.com — Qantas Nonstop Sydney-NYC Flights 2028 Launch | Travel ...
   confidence 100%
7. 38d ago

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

   Qantas will start non-stop flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028, cutting over three hours off the current fastest travel time. The 18-hour flights will be operated on specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. This will be the first-ever non-stop airline connection between the two cities. Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027.

   Why it matters

   The new route is part of Qantas's Project Sunrise initiative, which aims to offer ultra-long-haul flights. The airline has previously announced plans for non-stop flights to London. The new route will make Qantas the only airline offering non-stop flights between Sydney and New York.

   What is confirmed

   • Qantas will launch non-stop flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028.
   • The flights will take around 18 hours.
   • The route will be operated on Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft.
   • Tickets for the flights are expected to go on sale in August 2027.
   • This will be the first-ever non-stop airline connection between Sydney and New York.

   What to watch next

   • Qantas's response to high fuel prices and their impact on the route's profitability
   • The airline's plans for additional Project Sunrise routes
   • The sale of tickets for the new route starting in August 2027
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. travel.yahoo.com — Australia's Qantas to launch non-stop Sydney-New York flights in 2028
   2. simpleflying.com — Sydney-US Nonstop: Qantas Confirms Ticket Sale & Launch Date For 2nd Project Sunrise Route
   3. www.euronews.com — Project Sunrise update: Qantas to launch non-stop flights between Sydney and New York from 2028
   4. www.travelerstoday.com — Qantas Confirms Nonstop Sydney-New York Flights for 2028
   5. 7news.com.au — Qantas orders 12 new aircraft for expanded Project Sunrise as Sydney to New York non-stop flights confirm....
   6. www.aerotime.aero — Project Sunrise: What we know about Qantas’ new Sydney to NY non-stop service
   7. abc7.com — Qantas nonstop NYC-Sydney flights coming in 2028 - ABC7 Los Angeles
   8. travelingformiles.com — Qantas will fly Sydney to New York JFK non-stop from mid-2028 (tickets on sale August 2027)
   9. www.indailysa.com.au — Take-off date for Qantas direct flights to New York - News | InDaily, Inside South Australia
   10. travelnoire.com — Qantas Is Launching An 18-Hour Nonstop Flight Between New ...
   11. travel.yahoo.com — Qantas Is Launching An 18-Hour Nonstop Flight Between New York And Sydney
   12. en.wikipedia.org — Qantas - Wikipedia
   confidence 100%
8. 45d ago

   Qantas to Launch Nonstop Sydney-New York Flights in 2028

   Qantas will begin non-stop flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028 as part of its Project Sunrise initiative. The airline plans to start selling tickets for the service next year. These flights will last 18 hours and feature onboard wellbeing zones. Despite facing high fuel prices, the carrier is proceeding with the ultra-long-haul route, which represents the second Project Sunrise destination. This service will be the first ever non-stop airline connection between the two cities.

   Why it matters

   Project Sunrise aims to connect distant global hubs without intermediate stops. These ultra-long-haul flights require specialized aircraft and cabin configurations to manage passenger health over extended durations.

   What is confirmed

   • Nonstop flights between Sydney and New York will start in mid-2028.
   • The service is part of Qantas's Project Sunrise.
   • The flights will take 18 hours.
   • Qantas will begin selling tickets for the route next year.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The aircraft will feature onboard wellbeing zones.
   • The route is the second Project Sunrise destination.

   What to watch next

   • Official ticket sale start date
   • Aircraft model specifications for the route
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. ny1.com — Hundreds of flights canceled at NYC airports due to weather
   2. The New York Times — Qantas’s New York-to-Sydney ‘Project Sunrise’ Flights to Take Off in 2028
   3. CNBC — Qantas to start selling tickets next year for its New York to Sydney nonstop flight
   4. Financial Times — Qantas pushes ahead with new ultra-long flights despite high fuel prices
   5. SMH.com.au — Qantas announces when Sydney-New York non-stop flights will start
   6. NZ Herald — Qantas Project Sunrise: Sydney-New York direct flight start dates announced
   7. The Guardian — Qantas announces 18-hour direct flights from Sydney to New York with onboard ‘wellbeing zones’
   8. WSJ — Qantas Plans Nonstop Sydney-New York Flights
   9. ABC7 New York — Qantas non-stop flights from NYC to Sydney, Australia coming in 2028 as part of Project Sunrise
   10. www.hotelmanagement.com.au — Tourism boost: Qantas confirms direct Sydney to New York flights
   11. www.spicenews.com.au — Qantas to launch non-stop flights to New York
   confidence 95%