Qantas said Thursday that it will launch a non-stop commercial flight service between Sydney and London [1, 2].
The initiative, known as Project Sunrise, represents a significant shift in global aviation by eliminating traditional hub connections for travelers between Australia and Europe. By bypassing stopovers, the airline aims to reduce total travel time and set a new record for the longest commercial flight in history [1, 2].
The service is scheduled to commence in October 2027 [1]. This timeline follows previous reports that suggested a 2025 launch [3] and subsequent notes that the service would not begin in the first half of 2027 [4].
To facilitate the ultra-long-haul route, Qantas will deploy 12 new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft [1]. These specialized planes are designed to handle the extreme distances required for the journey. The flight from Sydney to London Heathrow Airport is expected to take approximately 21 hours [1], though some reports have cited a duration of over 19 hours [3].
The airline is positioning the service as a premium option for passengers seeking a direct path between the two cities. The use of the A350-1000 fleet is central to the strategy, as these aircraft provide the necessary fuel efficiency, and range to maintain a non-stop trajectory over such a vast distance [1, 2].
“the world’s longest commercial flight”
Project Sunrise challenges the current operational limits of commercial aviation and passenger endurance. By successfully implementing a 21-hour non-stop flight, Qantas is testing the viability of ultra-long-haul travel, which could eventually lead to more direct routes between previously disconnected global regions and reduce the reliance on Middle Eastern and Asian transit hubs.
