Qantas to begin selling New York-Sydney nonstop tickets next year

• The New York-Sydney route will take approximately 18 hours, nearly matching Singapore Airlines' current world's longest flight from New York to Singapore at over 19 hours
• Qantas will use Airbus A350-1000 ULR aircraft with extra fuel tanks and first class, business class, and premium economy cabins, following strong demand for its existing 17-hour Perth-London route
• The airline's 'Project Sunrise' program has worked with sleep scientists for years to minimize jet lag effects through lighting schemes and other methods to help passengers adjust to destination time zones

Summary: Qantas to Launch New York-Sydney Nonstop Service

Key Developments:

Qantas Airways will begin selling tickets in August (year not specified in corrected context, but flights launch in 2028) for its inaugural nonstop New York-Sydney service. The route will operate for approximately 18 hours, positioning it among the world's longest commercial flights.

Route Expansion:

• The carrier plans an even longer London-Sydney route launching next October, taking approximately 20 hours—set to become the world's longest flight
• Current record holder: Singapore Airlines' New York JFK-Singapore route at over 19 hours

Aircraft and Technology:

Qantas will deploy new Airbus A350-1000 ULR (ultra-long range) aircraft equipped with extra fuel tanks specifically for these marathon flights. The planes will feature first class and business class cabins, contrasting with Singapore Airlines' premium-only configuration.

Market Rationale:

CEO Vanessa Hudson cited strong demand from Qantas' existing Perth-London route (17+ hours on Boeing 787 Dreamliner) as validation for ultra-long-haul service. Customers demonstrate willingness to pay premium prices to avoid airport connections.

Project Sunrise:

The initiative includes collaboration with sleep scientists to combat jet lag through specialized lighting schemes and other measures designed to help passengers adjust to destination time zones.

Market Implications:

The expansion signals growing demand for direct ultra-long-haul routes, particularly among premium travelers seeking convenience. This could intensify competition in the Pacific corridor and potentially reshape international route networks as airlines assess viability of similar services.