Photo: Qantas Qantas has confirmed it will launch the world's first non-stop flights between Sydney and London in October 2027, ending the need for stopovers on the historic Kangaroo Route.
The announcement was made as the airline unveiled its first specially designed Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft in Toulouse, developed for Project Sunrise.
The new service will cut up to four hours from current journey times and cover more than 16,000 kilometres in a single flight lasting up to 22 hours.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the route represents a major milestone for the airline. "Since we first flew the Kangaroo Route in 1947, where we stopped seven times on the way to London, every generation of aircraft has taken a stop out of the journey. Today, we're taking out the last one."
Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator Don Farrell: “Every year millions of people travel between Australia and the United Kingdom to visit family, for holidays or for business, and from 2027 the journey will become more comfortable, quicker and easier.
“This is a significant milestone for aviation and tourism in both Australia and the UK and a demonstration of the strong friendship between our two nations."
UK Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock: “This is a historic moment, not just for British aviation and tourism, but for the millions of passengers who will experience flying from Sydney to London non-stop for the first time.
The airline plans to place tickets on sale in February 2027. The Sydney-London service will be followed by non-stop flights between Sydney and New York as Project Sunrise expands.
The specially configured A350-1000ULR will carry 238 passengers across four cabins, with features designed to reduce jet lag and improve comfort on ultra-long-haul journeys.