Qantas Launches 22-Hour London-Sydney Non-Stop in October 2027, Charging About 20% More
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 26
Qantas Launches 22-Hour London-Sydney Non-Stop in October 2027, Charging About 20% More
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 26
Summary
October 2027 is the target for Qantas to start the first non-stop London-Sydney service, cutting about four hours from the current one-stop trip and pushing commercial flying past the 20-hour mark.
12 specially modified Airbus A350-1000s underpin Project Sunrise, with extra fuel tanks, fewer seats and 40% of capacity set aside for premium economy, business or first class.
Qantas is betting travelers will pay a premium to skip connections, citing demand on its Perth-London route, though analysts say the market is narrow and some frequent fliers balk at a roughly 20% higher fare.
The launch also serves as a reputational test for Qantas after a A$100 million consumer-law settlement, a A$90 million labor fine and a sharp slide in Skytrax rankings during recent years.
Qantas's 22-hour flight conquers distance, but what is the hidden cost to passengers and the planet?
Is Qantas's 22-hour flight a revolution in passenger wellness or just an expensive endurance test for the elite?
After millions in fines, can a record-breaking flight truly restore Qantas's damaged reputation and win back trust?
Qantas Project Sunrise: Launching 22-Hour Sydney-London Nonstop Flights and the Future of Ultra-Long-Haul Aviation
Overview
Project Sunrise marks a major milestone for Qantas and the aviation industry, launching nonstop flights between Sydney and London in October 2027. This initiative eliminates exhausting layovers, transforming a traditionally multi-stop journey into a seamless, single-flight experience. By pushing the limits of aircraft range and operational capabilities, Project Sunrise is widely seen as the final frontier of global flight. It also stands as a point of national pride, showcasing Australian innovation and leadership. The project’s significance extends beyond convenience, setting a new standard for ultra-long-haul travel and redefining what is possible in global air connectivity.