Qantas will launch the world’s first non-stop flights between Sydney and London from October 2027, marking a major milestone for Australian aviation and bringing the airline’s long-running Project Sunrise initiative to life.
The new service will be operated by the Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range), enabling passengers to travel between Australia’s east coast and the UK without a stopover for the first time.
The announcement was made as Qantas unveiled its first A350-1000ULR in Qantas livery at Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France.
Project Sunrise takes flight
The Sydney-London route will be the first operated under Project Sunrise, Qantas’ long-term plan to connect Australia directly with major global cities previously considered beyond the reach of non-stop commercial flights.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the launch represented a defining moment for the airline.
“Qantas was built on the belief that Australia’s distance from the rest of the world should never stand in the way. The pioneering spirit of generations of our people has forged that path ever since, and today is the most significant step in that mission in our 105-year history,” Hudson said.
The new flights are expected to significantly reduce overall travel times between Australia and Europe by removing the need for a transit stop.
New opportunities for travellers
For the travel industry, the route is set to reshape premium long-haul travel between Australia and Europe, offering greater convenience for both business and leisure travellers.
The Sydney-London service will become the latest evolution of the Kangaroo Route, which traditionally required multiple stops when it first launched in 1947 and currently operates via Singapore.
The A350-1000ULR has been specially developed for ultra-long-haul operations, allowing airlines to operate flights lasting more than 20 hours while offering enhanced passenger comfort.
Further details on schedules, cabin configuration and fares are expected closer to the launch date.
The announcement reinforces Qantas’ strategy to expand its long-haul network and strengthen Australia’s direct connectivity with key international markets.
