Qantas will launch a direct Sydney and London service, showcasing private-sector innovation and efficiency in aviation while boosting global connectivity, in what will be the world’s longest non-stop passenger flight.
Currently, the world’s longest flight is operated by Singapore Airlines, running from Singapore to New York, taking around 19 hours and covering more than 15,000km.
Qantas’ up to 22-hour flights are scheduled to begin in October 2027.
It will operate alongside Qantas’ existing Perth–London and Sydney–Singapore–London services, adding further capacity to its long-haul international network.
The announcement coincided with Qantas unveiling its first Airbus A350-1000ULR.
The airline said the aircraft has been specially configured for these extended routes, including the installation of an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank to support missions of more than 16,000 kilometres.
Qantas will purchase a total of 12 aircraft, each configured with 238 seats across four cabin classes.
The airline also said it plans to expand connectivity across Australia’s east coast, confirming that a Sydney–New York service will be next in its long-haul expansion strategy.
“Qantas was built on the belief that Australia’s distance from the rest of the world should never stand in the way,” Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson said.
“The pioneering spirit of generations of our people has forged that path ever since, and today is the most significant step in that mission in our 105-year history.”