Qantas plans to launch an 18-hour direct service from Sydney to New York in mid-2028, its second ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise route after Sydney–London flights begin in October 2027. The service would save at least three hours compared with current flights via Los Angeles and become the first commercial direct flight between Sydney and New York’s JFK airport.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in August 2027, although fares and the precise launch month have not been announced; Qantas has suggested direct tickets could cost about 20% more than stopover services. The route will use Airbus A350–1000ULR aircraft with 238 seats, including six first-class suites, 52 business suites, 40 premium-economy seats and a wellbeing zone for stretching, guided exercises, snacks and drinks. Qantas expects Project Sunrise and continued premium demand to add $400m to earnings over five years, while its 12-aircraft programme has faced pandemic and manufacturing delays.