Qantas, Australia’s flag carrier, has released a first look at its Project Sunrise initiative, which aims to launch the world’s longest direct flight from London to Sydney in 22 hours. The airline confirmed that all major structural components of the first Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft have been fitted at the factory in Toulouse, France, and that test flights are proceeding as planned.
The route is scheduled to begin commercial operations in the first half of 2027, with the first aircraft delivered by the end of 2026. The flight will reduce travel time by up to four hours compared to current one-stop services via hubs such as Singapore, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi, which take up to 27 hours.
Passengers will have a choice of Premium Economy, Economy, Business Class, and First Class seats. A dedicated Wellbeing Zone will be available to all travellers, offering space for movement, guided wellbeing content, and healthy refreshments. To combat jet lag, the cabin will feature 12 lighting scenes, including simulated sunrise and sunset, designed to help synchronise passengers’ circadian rhythms with Sydney time.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson predicted that fares for Project Sunrise would be approximately 20% higher than existing London–Sydney flights. For context, British Airways economy fares on the current route, which includes a stopover in Singapore, range from £721 to £1,278. The direct flight from London Heathrow is expected to be the first to launch, followed by a similar service from Sydney to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, also taking 22 hours.
The project represents a significant milestone in aviation, with the 10,573-mile journey surpassing the current longest direct route—Singapore Airlines’ 18.5-hour flight from Singapore to New York, which covers about 9,537 miles.
