After years of waiting, Qantas has set an approximate date for the launch of one of the most ambitious projects in the history of commercial aviation: the nonstop route between Sydney and London. Dubbed “Project Sunrise,” this route is set to begin in October 2027, ending nearly eight decades of mandatory stopovers on the legendary “Kangaroo Route,” which the Australian airline has operated since 1947.
A new aircraft for this ultra-long-haul route
The airline unveiled its first Airbus A350-1000ULR at the Airbus plant in Toulouse—an aircraft equipped with an additional fuel tank that allows it to remain airborne for up to 22 hours straight. Unlike the standard version of this aircraft, which can accommodate nearly 400 passengers, the Qantas version will have only 238 seats spread across four cabins: first class, business class, premium economy, and economy. This significantly reduced seating density will allow for the installation of a wellness area where travelers can stretch their legs during this aerial marathon, as well as amenities designed to minimize jet lag.
Travelers torn between enthusiasm and skepticism
Since the announcement of the schedule and the unveiling of the aircraft, public reactions have poured in on social media and within aviation enthusiast communities. Many welcome the prospect of eliminating a layover considered tedious on an already interminable journey, with some noting a gain in comfort and time savings of up to four hours compared to current flights via Singapore or Perth. Air travel enthusiasts are particularly eager to experience the first-class suites, described as true “flying hotel rooms,” complete with a fixed bed, an independently reclining seat, and a private closet.
Conversely, some travelers, particularly those accustomed to economy class, are expressing some caution about the actual experience of a 20-hour or longer flight confined to a single aircraft, even with legroom slightly above the industry average. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson, for her part, emphasized that this flight will not merely shorten the journey but will fundamentally change the way customers experience these very long distances—an argument met with some optimism by a portion of the airline’s loyal customer base.
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How much should you budget for a plane ticket?
As for fares, no final prices have been announced yet, as tickets are scheduled to go on sale in February 2027, a few months before the first commercial flight. However, Qantas’s sales management has already given a clear indication: fares for this direct route are expected to be about 20% higher than current flights with a layover on the same Sydney-London route. Other internal estimates even suggest a surcharge of up to 30%, as the airline seeks to capitalize on the lack of a layover, the enhanced cabin comfort, and the new high-end products offered in premium cabins.