Qantas has revealed new details about its long awaited Project Sunrise programme, confirming that the first non stop flights between Sydney and London will begin in October 2027. The airline has also unveiled the onboard experience passengers can expect on what will become one of the world’s longest commercial flights.
Sydney to London chosen
Qantas confirmed that Sydney- London will be the first Project Sunrise service, operating daily from October 2027.
The announcement was made in Toulouse, France, where Qantas presented its first Airbus A350-1000ULR in airline livery. The specially designed aircraft has an additional 20,000 litre fuel tank and will allow the carrier to operate direct flights from Australia’s east coast to destinations previously unreachable without a stopover. The new route will cut up to four hours from current one stop journeys.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson stated:
“We made a commitment in 2017 that Qantas would conquer the final frontier of long-haul aviation and connect Australia’s east coast directly to London, something that has never before been possible. From October 2027, that promise becomes reality.”
The airline has an order of 12 aircraft, with the first scheduled delivery for April 2027.
Cabin designed to reduce jet lag
Alongside the route announcement, Qantas unveiled details of the onboard experience that will be available across four cabin classes. The A350-1000ULR will feature just 238 seats, significantly fewer than many aircraft of a similar size, giving passengers more personal space on the ultra long haul flight.
The cabin has been developed with input from sleep scientists and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. According to Qantas, features such as customised lighting, meal timing and movement opportunities have been designed to help reduce the effects of jet lag.
A dedicated ‘Wellbeing Zone’ will be located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, offering passengers space to stretch, move and access refreshments during the journey. The aircraft will also feature six First Suites, 52 Business Class seats, 40 Premium Economy seats and 140 Economy seats.
A major milestone for Qantas
Project Sunrise was first announced in 2017 as part of Qantas’ ambition to connect Australia’s east coast with cities such as London and New York. The airline has spent several years working with Airbus to select the aircraft and develop the experience.
The unveiling in Toulouse marks one of the programme’s biggest milestones to date, coming shortly after the aircraft completed its maiden test flight on June 3, 2026. Qantas plans to use the new fleet not only for Project Sunrise services but also on other long haul international routes in the future.
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