Qantas picks London for first record-breaking non-stop flights
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IN SHORT
Qantas Airways has selected London as the destination for its inaugural ultra-long-haul 'Project Sunrise' flights, which will span approximately 20 hours from Sydney. Tickets for this service are slated to go on sale in February, with the flights scheduled to commence in October 2027. In parallel, Saudi Arabia's new airline, Riyadh Air, has secured approval from the U.S. Transportation Department to operate flights to and from the United States. Backed by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air intends to link over 100 international destinations by 2030.
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Key Numbers
20 hoursflight duration from Sydney to London
October 2027launch month for Qantas flights
100 international destinationsRiyadh Air's target by 2030
2030year for Riyadh Air's expansion target
Who's Involved
Qantas Airways
airline launching ultra-long-haul flights to London
London
destination for Qantas's 'Project Sunrise' flights
Sydney
departure point for Qantas's ultra-long-haul flights
Riyadh Air
Saudi airline approved for US flights
U.S. Transportation Department
regulator approving Riyadh Air's US flights
Public Investment Fund
backer of Riyadh Air
Key facts
Qantas Airways announced London as the first destination for its 'Project Sunrise' flights.
The flights will be ultra-long-haul, departing from Sydney.
The journey from Sydney to London is estimated to take roughly 20 hours.
Qantas plans to start selling tickets for these flights in February.
The 'Project Sunrise' flights are scheduled to launch in October 2027.
Saudi airline Riyadh Air received approval from the U.S. Transportation Department for US flights.
Riyadh Air aims to connect over 100 international destinations by 2030.
Riyadh Air is backed by the Public Investment Fund.
Qantas Airways has announced London as the chosen destination for its pioneering ultra-long-haul 'Project Sunrise' flights. These flights will originate from Sydney and are expected to take approximately 20 hours, marking a significant development in long-distance air travel. The Australian airline plans to begin selling tickets for this route in February, with the service set to launch in October 2027. This initiative represents a major step for Qantas in expanding its long-haul capabilities.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's newly established airline, Riyadh Air, has been granted approval by the U.S. Transportation Department to conduct flights connecting to and from the United States. This approval is a crucial step for the airline as it aims to establish its presence in the international market. Riyadh Air, which is supported by the Public Investment Fund, has ambitious goals for expansion. By the year 2030, the airline aims to connect over 100 international destinations, positioning itself as a major global carrier.
↳ Why This Matters
Qantas Airways has announced London as the chosen destination for its pioneering ultra-long-haul 'Project Sunrise' flights. These flights will originate from Sydney and are expected to take approximately 20 hours, marking a significant development in long-distance air travel. The Australian airline plans to begin selling tickets for this route in February, with the service set to launch in October 2027. This initiative represents a major step for Qantas in expanding its long-haul capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
Project Sunrise is Qantas's initiative to launch the world's longest non-stop commercial flights from eastern Australia to destinations like London or New York.
The flights from Sydney to London are expected to take approximately 20 hours, with the modified Airbus A350-1000ULR jets capable of flying up to 22 hours.
Qantas expects to charge ticket prices around 20% higher than one-stop alternatives, particularly in premium cabins.
The flights are planned to launch in October 2027.
What Happens Next
01Qantas to start selling tickets in February.
02First modified A350-1000ULR aircraft delivery expected in April 2027.
03Flights are scheduled to launch in October 2027.
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