Qantas picks London for first record-breaking non-stop flights

Qantas’ move to London for its first record-breaking non-stop flights underscores the airline’s push for ultra-long-haul service, starting with a roughly 20-hour Sydney–London route. The Australian carrier plans to begin selling tickets in February and launch the flights in October 2027, replacing the traditional stop on the “Kangaroo Route.” Qantas says the trip is typically designed as a 19-to-21-hour hop, with polar routes used about a quarter of the time, while current service can take 24 to 25 hours via Singapore. The flights are part of “Project Sunrise” using modified Airbus A350-1000ULR jets with Rolls-Royce XWB-97 engines, capable of up to 22 hours and 238 passengers. CEO Vanessa Hudson estimates the initiative could add more than A$400 million ($283 million) annually. The competitive backdrop includes Gulf carriers such as Emirates.