Australian carrier Qantas Airways is one step closer to launching a historic new route that will soon become one of the longest flights in the world.
The airline plans to begin selling fares on its new nonstop route from New York JFK to Sydney starting in August 2027, according to CNBC.
Flights on the ultra-long-haul route are set to clock in at around 18 hours and will begin operating in 2028.
The historic launch is part of Qantas’s Project Sunrise plan to launch the first nonstop flights from both New York and London to Sydney.
The Aussie carrier plans to launch the London route first in fall 2027. That flight will be even longer than the New York service, taking about 20 hours to complete.
Because both routes are so lengthy, the project requires a specialized aircraft.
The carrier is customizing Airbus A350-1000 Ultra Long Range planes, which will be fitted with an extra fuel tank to complete the journey without stopping.
The aircraft will also feature four cabin classes, including first class, business class, premium economy, and regular economy.
First-class suites will give travelers plenty of room to stretch and relax, with a 6’6” lie-flat bed, separate armchair, 32-inch entertainment screen, tall privacy doors, dining space for up to two travelers, and more.
The new nonstop options are expected to save travelers up to three to four hours of travel time compared to Sydney-bound flights with a connection.
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