The short version
- Qantas will begin direct flights between Sydney and New York in mid-2028, reducing journey time to approximately 18 hours.
- The service utilizes custom Airbus A350 aircraft featuring dedicated wellbeing zones and a reduced number of economy seats.
- This route follows the planned 2027 launch of direct Sydney-London flights, with tickets expected to carry a premium over current stopover options.
Qantas has confirmed that direct commercial flights connecting Sydney and New York will commence in mid-2028. This development marks the second major component of the airline’s Project Sunrise initiative, following the scheduled introduction of nonstop service to London later this year. The new route is designed to significantly reduce travel duration, cutting at least three hours from the current itinerary which requires a stopover, typically in Los Angeles.
Under existing arrangements, passengers traveling between Kingsford-Smith Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport face journeys lasting approximately 21 hours. These indirect flights currently command high prices, often exceeding $1,400 for a one-way ticket or $1,900 for a return trip. While Qantas has not released specific pricing for the new direct service, executives have indicated that fares could be roughly 20 percent higher than current stopover options due to upward pressure on ticket costs.
The operational backbone of this expansion consists of twelve Airbus A350–1000ULR aircraft. These planes are equipped with additional fuel tanks, enabling them to cover distances greater than 16,000 kilometers and remain airborne for up to 22 hours without landing. The first of these specialized jets is slated to arrive in Australia in April 2027. A prototype model previously demonstrated the aircraft's capabilities by completing a test flight from Melbourne to Toulouse, France, lasting over 24 hours.
To address passenger comfort during these extended journeys, Qantas has integrated specific design features into the cabin layout. Each aircraft will include a designated wellbeing zone situated between the economy and premium economy sections. This area allows travelers to stretch, view guided exercise content, and access refreshments. The seating configuration prioritizes higher-yield classes, with only 140 of the 238 total seats allocated to standard economy. The remainder includes 52 business suites, 40 premium economy seats, and six first-class suites.
Financial projections suggest that these ultra-long-haul routes will substantially impact the airline’s bottom line. Qantas anticipates that Project Sunrise, combined with sustained demand for premium travel, will generate an additional $400 million in earnings over the next five years. The company aims to increase its profit margins from the current 4 percent to 10 percent through this strategic shift toward high-value, long-distance services.
Market data presents a mixed picture regarding travel trends between Australia and the United States. While demand for Qantas flights involving New York has doubled since 2023, broader statistics show a divergence in traveler behavior. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, short-term arrivals from the US to Australia rose by 4 percent in the year leading up to July 2026. Conversely, the number of Australians traveling to and returning from the US declined by 9 percent during the same period.
Sales for the Sydney-New York route are scheduled to begin in August 2027. Qantas has not specified the exact month within mid-2028 that operations will start, noting that detailed launch timings would be revealed closer to the date, similar to the approach taken with the London route announcement. The airline is currently preparing its workforce for the new fleet, with plans to train more than 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew members by the time all aircraft are in service.
Looking beyond the New York launch, Qantas has outlined further ambitions for ultra-long-haul connectivity. The carrier is planning to introduce additional direct flights from Perth with durations approaching 20 hours. However, earlier proposals to establish similar routes originating from Brisbane or Melbourne have been abandoned. Chief Executive Vanessa Hudson described the New York service as a fulfillment of a long-held vision, emphasizing the pride associated with realizing Project Sunrise after years of development.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Qantas announces 18-hour direct flights from Sydney to New York with onboard ‘wellbeing zones’
