Qantas to Launch Sydney-London Nonstop Flights in October 2027 Using A350-1000ULR

Qantas unveiled plans to start the first nonstop flights between Sydney and London in October 2027, utilizing the Airbus A350-1000ULR specially ordered for ultra-long-haul routes. This service will operate once daily and is a flagship achievement for the airline’s Project Sunrise initiative, which aims to connect the east coast of Australia with distant global cities without layovers. The nonstop journey is estimated to last approximately 20 hours, representing one of the longest commercial flights ever operated.

Currently, Qantas serves London with two routings: one from Perth on Australia’s west coast and another from Sydney with a stopover in Singapore. Officials have confirmed that both existing routes will continue even after launching the nonstop Sydney-London service. This strategy allows the airline to maintain connectivity options while introducing a direct, time-saving alternative for travelers on the east coast.

Project Sunrise, launched in 2017, has pursued nonstop flights to both London and New York as major priorities for extending Qantas's long-haul network. Although the Sydney-London route leads the ultra-long-haul expansion with a defined launch date, Qantas has indicated that nonstop flights from Sydney to New York will follow, with details on the launch timeline expected next year. This phased introduction underscores a larger vision of connecting Australia to key global hubs with unprecedented direct services.

The Airbus A350-1000ULR, of which Qantas has ordered 12, is integral to these routes, offering enhanced range capabilities thanks to an additional fuel tank allowing flights up to 22 hours. Two of these aircraft are currently undergoing testing in France, preparing for deployment on ultra-long-haul routes. This aircraft choice aligns with Qantas’s need for efficiency and passenger comfort on extended journeys.

Qantas is also preparing its flight crews rigorously for operations with the new fleet. Training for some A330 pilots in Sydney includes simulator sessions, as well as practical experience gained flying British Airways services in the UK. Additionally, pilots will receive exposure to Cathay Pacific operations in upcoming months, ensuring operational familiarity with the A350-1000ULR's handling characteristics and systems.

The airline’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson, emphasized the strategic importance of the milestone, describing nonstop London flights as the realization of a commitment made a decade ago. The service is projected to reduce travel times by up to four hours compared to current options, a significant benefit for passengers. She also highlighted aircraft design features intended to mitigate jetlag effects, enhancing comfort on lengthy flights.

Historically, Qantas pioneered the Kangaroo Route between Australia and the UK, launching in 1947. The early service required seven stops, a stark contrast to the forthcoming nonstop service that will connect passengers across continents more efficiently than ever. The evolution from multi-stop to nonstop flights on this route reflects significant advances in aircraft technology and airline strategy over the past 80 years.

Tickets for the Sydney to London nonstop service will be available for purchase beginning in February 2027. This advance booking period allows the market to prepare for one of aviation's most ambitious and pioneering long-haul services. As deliveries of the A350-1000ULR continue and training ramps up, the route will firmly establish Qantas’s position at the forefront of ultra-long-haul commercial aviation.