Qantas Airways plans to operate the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight between Sydney and London starting in 2027 [1].
The initiative, known as Project Sunrise, represents a significant shift in ultra-long-haul aviation by removing the need for stopovers on one of the planet's most distant routes. This service will test the limits of human endurance and aircraft fuel efficiency over vast distances.
To achieve this, Qantas will utilize the Airbus A350-1000ULR. The aircraft is specifically designed for extreme range, with the route covering approximately 18,500 km [4]. This technology allows the airline to offer a direct service that enables passengers to see the sunrise twice during their journey [2].
Flight durations for the route are projected to be extensive. Some estimates place the planned flight time at 20 hours [1], while other reports indicate the aircraft is capable of flying for up to 22 hours [2, 4].
Testing for the new fleet is already underway. In June 2026, Airbus completed the first test flight of the A350-1000ULR [4]. That initial flight lasted three hours and 43 minutes [5] and reached an altitude of 12,500 meters [5].
Qantas is positioning the service as a revolutionary step for passenger comfort, particularly for those in economy class [2]. By eliminating layovers, the airline aims to reduce total travel time and simplify the logistics of traveling between Australia and the United Kingdom.
“Qantas plans to operate the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight between Sydney and London starting in 2027.”
The launch of Project Sunrise signals a move toward 'point-to-point' connectivity for the most remote global hubs. By utilizing the A350-1000ULR, Qantas is betting that passengers will prioritize the convenience of a non-stop flight over the physical toll of a 20-plus hour journey, potentially disrupting the hub-and-spoke model used by competing carriers in the Middle East and Asia.
