Qantas is moving forward with a groundbreaking jet capable of the first-ever nonstop flights between Sydney and New York or London. The airline’s new A350-1000ULR model, set to enter testing next year, will be able to fly nonstop for up to 22 hours.
The first commercial flights using this aircraft are expected to begin in early 2027, according to a Qantas announcement on Friday, November 7. This innovation will cut up to four hours off the current London-Sydney journey and “transform how people experience ultra-long-haul travel,” the airline said.
To enhance passenger comfort, Qantas will remove dozens of seats from the usual configuration to create a dedicated “Wellbeing Zone.” This area will feature on-screen exercise programs, stretch handles, and a hydration station to help travelers stay refreshed during the lengthy flight.
Qantas is also collaborating with sleep scientists to optimize lighting design and meal timing to combat jet lag effectively.
Since 2018, there have been 17-hour nonstop commercial flights between London and Perth, located on Australia’s west coast. However, reaching the country’s east coast has been the “final frontier,” Qantas noted in an Instagram post on Friday.
In contrast, multiple carriers already offer nonstop flights between San Francisco or Los Angeles and Sydney, which typically take about 15½ hours. The introduction of Qantas’s new nonstop services promises to redefine ultra-long-haul travel and connect Australia’s east coast more directly with major global cities.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/07/qantas-22-hour-nonstop/
