Qantas unveils Sydney-to-London as first Project Sunrise nonstop route

Qantas's Project Sunrise programme has been in preparation for years using ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000 ULR aircraft. The carrier said on Wednesday that the programme's first route will run from Sydney to London Heathrow. Flight time is expected to be around 22 hours, and the nonstop service will connect Australia's east coast to Europe directly for the first time.

Which routes the programme would begin with has long been a topic in the industry. Qantas said it has given particular attention to passenger comfort in the cabin design, with features including more under-seat space, a walking zone, and a dedicated circadian lighting system. The company signalled that a New York route will be announced in the near future.

The start of operations will have a significant economic impact, especially for business travellers, financial services, and the education sector. The Australian government said it will support the programme, noting that ultra-long-haul aviation enhances global connectivity. Heathrow said slot allocation will be finalised before the inaugural flights. Investors will closely watch how much the new route lifts the carrier's margins.