Jessica Reid | 03 May 2022
Sydney to London direct: Qantas reveals launch date for non-stop flight
The ultra-long direct service is expected to take off in 2025, with first flights from Sydney to London and New York
The ultra-long direct service is expected to take off in 2025, with first flights from Sydney to London and New York
We all prefer to fly direct. It’s the quickest, most convenient way to travel and produces lower emissions compared to one-stop options. But would you be able to stomach a 19-hour flight to Australia?
Qantas, Australia’s most popular airline, has hinted at the launch of its record-breaking long-haul service for years now, but on Monday (2 May 2022) it revealed the purchase of 12 Airbus A350-1000s, the jets which will carry out the extensive journey.
Expecting to take off in 2025, the first Project Sunrise flights will be from Sydney to London and New York, and will cut at least four hours of travel time.
The aircrafts will transport 238 passengers across four classes, including first, business, premium economy, and economy.
Of course, comfort will be key on this long-haul journey, so passengers can look forward to extra space in economy (with seats pitched at 33 inches), while those who fly first class will be treated to luxurious suites with a reclining lounge chair, separate bed and also a personal wardrobe.
With a flight time of nearly 24 hours, it’s important for passengers to keep moving. There will be a dedicated Wellbeing Zone to encourage people to stretch and hydrate during the journey.
Rendering of a First Class Suite (Qantas)
There will be a Wellbeing Zone (Qantas)
On top of all this, Qantas has also promised the flights to be carbon neutral, with all emissions offset.
“For more than 100 years, Qantas has been at the forefront of transforming the way the world travels, particularly through direct flights,” said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce in a statement on Monday.
“Now, the A350 and Project Sunrise will make almost any city in the world just one flight away from Australia. It’s the last frontier and the final fix for the tyranny of distance that has traditionally challenged travel to Australia”
“Our direct Perth-London flights started in 2017 and showed strong demand for the convenience and time savings from this kind of travel if the product and service is right. Pre-COVID it was the longest route on our network and had the highest customer satisfaction on our network. All signs point to that demand increasing post-COVID.
He continued: “The Qantas A350 travel experience will be truly exceptional, particularly across the premium cabins. Our First and Business Class Seats will set a new benchmark for premium long-haul travel.
Following the launch of the Sydney-London flights, the aircraft will begin to operate to other destinations, including Paris and Frankfurt.
Get the very best of Wanderlust by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.