New York to Sydney, Nonstop: Qantas Sets 2028 Launch for Project Sunrise

The days of breaking up the journey to Australia with a connection could soon be over. Qantas says it will launch its first-ever nonstop commercial service between Sydney and New York in mid-2028, bringing its ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise program to one of the world's busiest city pairs.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027. For New York travelers, that means Sydney will soon be reachable without changing planes somewhere along the way, with Qantas describing the journey as roughly 18 hours depending on the final schedule and operating conditions.

A new way to get to Australia

For years, getting from New York to Sydney has meant accepting a stop along the way. Project Sunrise is designed to change that. Qantas says the new service will cut up to four hours from the journey compared with current one-stop options.

New York will be the second Project Sunrise route after Sydney-London, which Qantas plans to launch in October 2027. Tickets for the London service are expected to go on sale in February 2027.

Meet the A350 built for the world's longest flights

Qantas will use a specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR for Project Sunrise. Rather than packing the aircraft with as many seats as possible, Qantas has configured it for just 238 passengers across First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.

That means six First suites, 52 Business suites, 40 Premium Economy seats and 140 Economy seats. Qantas says the cabin was developed with Caon Design, chef Neil Perry and the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, with the goal of supporting comfort and wellbeing during ultra-long-haul flights.

Yes, there is a Wellbeing Zone

One of the more unusual features is a dedicated Wellbeing Zone between Premium Economy and Economy. It gives passengers a place to get out of their seats, stretch, hydrate and grab refreshments during the marathon flight.

The aircraft also features custom lighting designed around circadian rhythms, along with fast, complimentary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth audio connectivity across cabins, according to Qantas.

And First Class is designed like a room, not just a seat

For travelers flying First, the A350 has six enclosed suites with a full-length bed, a separate reclining armchair and space for dining and working. Business Class will also have sliding doors for additional privacy.

What New York travelers should know now

• Tickets: Expected to go on sale in August 2027.
• Launch: Mid-2028, subject to required regulatory approvals and certifications.
• Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000ULR configured with 238 seats.
• Flight time: Qantas describes the journey as roughly 18 hours; the final scheduled time will depend on the operating schedule and conditions.

The real change is what happens before and after the flight

An 18-hour nonstop flight is a commitment, but removing a connection changes the trip in ways that go beyond the clock. There is no second boarding pass, no connecting airport and no need to build extra time into the itinerary for a transfer.

That could make a short Sydney escape from New York more practical, while also making it easier to build Australia into a larger trip. The key will be matching the nonstop's schedule with hotel check-in, your first full day in Sydney and any onward flights.

Put August 2027 on the calendar

The route is still some time away, but the next important date is already set. Qantas says tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027. That is when travelers will finally be able to see the schedules, fares and cabin availability that will determine how the new nonstop fits into their plans.

For now, one thing is clear: New York and Sydney are about to become a lot closer on the map.

Sources: Qantas News and Qantas Airbus A350 Project Sunrise.