Key facts
- Qantas announced London as the first destination for its ultra-long-haul 'Project Sunrise' flights.
- The new route will be a roughly 20-hour journey from Sydney.
- Flights are scheduled to launch in October 2027.
- The airline will use modified Airbus A350-1000ULR jets for the route.
- Qantas expects to charge a premium of around 20% for tickets compared to one-stop options.
Qantas Airways has announced London as the inaugural destination for its ambitious 'Project Sunrise' initiative, which will feature the world's longest direct commercial flights from Sydney. The roughly 20-hour journey aims to eliminate traditional stopovers on the 'Kangaroo Route', cutting travel time significantly compared to current 24-25 hour trips via transit hubs.
The airline plans to begin selling tickets in February, with flights set to launch in October 2027, utilizing specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR jets. These aircraft are designed for ultra-long-haul flights of up to 22 hours and will carry 238 passengers. The project represents a substantial investment for Qantas, involving billions of dollars in new aircraft, cabin upgrades, and research into passenger well-being on extended flights.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson stated that the airline aims to charge a premium of approximately 20% for tickets on these direct flights, particularly in business and premium economy cabins, to offset the costs and justify the convenience. Aviation analyst John Strickland noted that the airline must convince travelers to pay more to avoid layovers while minimizing discomfort.
Airbus secured the order for 12 of these modified A350-1000ULR planes, which boast an extended range of 10,000 nautical miles due to an additional fuel tank. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in April 2027, a delay attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues. Qantas is also reportedly in discussions for an additional 20 wide-body jets from either Airbus or Boeing. Analysts at Jefferies anticipate a positive market for the London route, though Qantas will face competition from Gulf carriers like Emirates.