Qantas Balances One-Stop & Ultra-Long-Haul Flights
Qantas is set to maintain its key one-stop international services even as it embarks on its ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, which will introduce ultra-long-haul nonstop flights starting in 2027. Speaking at Routes Asia 2025 in Perth, Qantas Head of Commercial Strategy and Performance Scott Zeglin outlined the airline’s unified long-haul strategy that will see both nonstop and connecting routes playing complementary roles. The airline’s established one-stop services, such as the Sydney–Singapore–London and Sydney–Auckland–New York routes, are expected to remain vital for delivering volume and network flexibility. Zeglin emphasized that while the new nonstop Project Sunrise flights will target high-yield premium demand, the one-stop routes will continue to support broader passenger traffic and ensure effective connectivity across Qantas’ global network.
Project Sunrise will feature the deployment of ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which have been designed with a low-density, premium-heavy layout to serve high-yield markets. “It’s an ultra-long-haul aircraft with 238 seats—it’s the least number of seats fitted of any A350-1000s that have been announced—and it’s incredibly premium,” Zeglin explained. This specialized configuration enables Qantas to offer nonstop flights from Australia’s east coast to major cities such as London and New York, catering to travelers seeking a more exclusive, comfortable experience. The airline’s focus on premium differentiation with Project Sunrise contrasts with its one-stop routes, where aircraft like the A380 continue to deliver significant capacity through hubs like Singapore.
The strategic mix is designed to provide both scale and premium appeal. While the A350-1000s will allow Qantas to capture the high-yield segment of the market, one-stop services will be instrumental in sustaining overall passenger volumes and expanding the network. Zeglin noted that the Sydney–Auckland–New York routing, reintroduced following the disruptions caused by COVID-19, has proven effective as a transfer hub and offers a smooth connection experience for passengers. Qantas is even investing in improved facilities in Auckland, including a new lounge, to enhance the transfer experience further.
Deliveries of the Project Sunrise A350-1000s are anticipated to begin in late 2026, with the first nonstop flights planned for the northern summer of 2027. Zeglin outlined that the timing of the new fleet introduction is carefully planned to coincide with the seasonal demand, especially during periods when the appetite for premium nonstop travel is at its peak. “We’re holding at the end of calendar year ’26,” he said, adding that the northern summer of ’27 is when the airline intends to start seizing these long-haul opportunities.
Project Sunrise is viewed as a critical step towards strengthening Qantas’ operational resilience. By enabling the airline to carry full payloads—comprising passengers, baggage, and freight—on nonstop flights, Qantas aims to mitigate the risks associated with airspace closures and operational disruptions. Zeglin stressed that the flexibility of the new aircraft, with adaptable cabin configurations, positions the airline to respond dynamically to market demands. This balanced approach between nonstop and one-stop services is designed not only to maximize the use of available capacity but also to enhance the overall travel experience, ensuring that Qantas remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global aviation landscape.
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