Qantas Books First A350-1000ULR Flights for October 2027; Sydney-London Route Launches Project Sunrise

Qantas will begin selling tickets in February 2027 for its first nonstop Sydney-London flights, set to launch in October 2027 using the Airbus A350-1000ULR. The 10,573-mile route will take approximately 20 hours, cutting the current 24-25 hour journey with a Singapore stopover by up to five hours. CEO Vanessa Hudson confirmed the milestone as part of Project Sunrise, Qantas’ multi-billion-dollar investment in ultra-long-haul aviation.

The A350-1000ULR completes its first test flight

Airbus completed the maiden flight of its A350-1000ULR from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in June 2026, marking the start of the aircraft’s certification campaign. The ultra-long-range variant features greater fuel capacity, aerodynamic improvements, and Rolls-Royce XWB-97 engines to enable flights exceeding 20 hours. The aircraft can carry 238 passengers and fly more than 18,000 kilometers without refueling, making it the first commercial plane designed for such extreme distances.

Sydney-London becomes the flagship route

Qantas selected London as its first Project Sunrise destination, with flights scheduled to begin in October 2027. The Sydney-London sector spans 10,573 miles and will take 19 to 21 hours depending on weather, using polar routes for roughly a quarter of the northern hemisphere winter. A second route to New York covering 9,950 miles is planned to follow, though no launch date has been announced. Ticket sales begin in February 2027, according to CEO Vanessa Hudson.

Project Sunrise reshapes Qantas’ fleet strategy

Qantas initiated Project Sunrise in 2017 when it asked Airbus and Boeing to develop aircraft capable of flying extreme distances from Australia. The airline originally targeted a 2025 launch but faced delays due to wider Airbus production constraints linked to supply chain disruptions. Delivery of the first A350-1000ULR is now expected in April 2027. Qantas has already begun testing demand on its existing long-haul network ahead of the program’s full launch.

Why ultra-long-haul matters for investors

The A350-1000ULR eliminates the traditional Kangaroo Route stopover in Singapore, which currently adds 3 to 5 hours to the journey. For Qantas, nonstop flights reduce fuel burn per passenger and crew costs while commanding premium fares. The project represents one of the airline’s largest investments in history, betting that passengers will pay higher prices for direct service. Success depends on load factors and pricing power in a competitive market where competitors may follow with their own ultra-long-haul aircraft.

Final Thoughts

Qantas’ October 2027 Sydney-London launch marks a turning point in ultra-long-haul aviation and a major bet on premium connectivity. For the airline, the route’s profitability hinges on passenger demand and pricing discipline against rivals. Investors should watch load factors and yield data once flights begin.

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