First 18-hour direct flight between Sydney and New York starting in 2028

Starting in 2028, Qantas will offer a direct 18-hour flight between Sydney and New York to accommodate increasing travel demand. The airline will utilize specially modified Airbus aircraft equipped with extra fuel tanks to ensure the planes can complete the 16,000-kilometer journey.
Qantas plans to launch an 18-hour direct flight between Sydney and New York starting in 2028, effectively cutting three hours off the current travel time that includes a layover in Auckland. The airline aims to meet rising demand with this new connection, with tickets expected to be available for booking by August 2027.
To facilitate these ultralong-haul journeys, the carrier will utilize a fleet of twelve Airbus aircraft specifically modified for the route. These planes feature an additional 20,000-liter fuel tank, allowing them to cover distances exceeding 16,000 kilometers and remain airborne for up to 22 hours. Each aircraft is configured to accommodate 238 passengers. While a test flight from France to Australia lasting nineteen hours was successfully completed in July, health experts have previously noted potential risks associated with prolonged periods of sedentary travel.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.



