Qantas Sets First-Ever Nonstop Sydney–New York Flights

Qantas says 18-hour nonstop Sydney–JFK flights will launch in mid-2028 aboard a 238-seat A350-1000ULR with an onboard wellbeing zone open to all passengers.

The Guardian reports tickets go on sale in August 2027, and that this will be the first commercial direct flight from Kingsford Smith airport to JFK. It is the second route in Qantas's Project Sunrise program, following Sydney–London, planned for October 2027. CEO Vanessa Hudson unveiled the date at a New York launch event, saying the flights 'complete a vision we set out many years ago.'

According to Aviacionline, no nonstop commercial service between Australia and New York has ever existed, making the route an unprecedented link across roughly 16,013 kilometers. The Airbus A350-1000ULR carries an extra 20,000-litre rear fuel tank, allowing flights of more than 16,000 km and up to 22 hours nonstop. Qantas has ordered 12 of the aircraft, fitted with just 238 seats — six first suites, 52 business, 40 premium economy and 140 economy — so over 40% of the cabin is premium.

Both The Guardian and Aviacionline describe a dedicated 'wellbeing zone' placed between the premium economy and economy cabins, accessible to all passengers. Passengers can stretch using sculpted handrails, follow guided exercise videos on screens, and help themselves to snacks and drinks at a hydration station. Streamlinefeed reports the space also features acoustic panelling and circadian lighting designed to minimise jet lag, with lighting, meal schedules and crew rest designed alongside fatigue specialists. The low-density 238-seat layout is what creates room for the zone on an aircraft type that would normally carry far more passengers.

Qantas expects the Project Sunrise flights and sustained premium demand to add $400 million to earnings over five years, lifting profit margins from 4% to 10%, The Guardian reports. Demand in and out of New York has doubled since 2023, though Australians travelling to and from the US dropped 9% in the year to July 2026. Pricing remains undisclosed; The Guardian notes Qantas has previously suggested direct fares could cost around 20% more than stopover fares. Frequencies and schedules will be revealed when sales open in August 2027, and the first aircraft, named Vega, is due in Australia in April 2027 — with Qantas training more than 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew for the fleet, according to Aviacionline.