Overview
- Qantas announced on Wednesday that it will begin nonstop flights from Sydney to London in October 2027 and will put tickets on sale in February 2027.
- The service will use specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR jets fitted with an extra rear fuel tank and a higher maximum takeoff weight to enable up to about 22 hours of flight.
- Qantas plans a low-density 238-seat four-class cabin for the ULRs focused on premium revenue and projects the programme could add more than A$400 million a year under its pricing assumptions.
- Airbus completed the ULR prototype’s maiden test flight on June 2 and Qantas says pilot and cabin training and further aircraft testing are under way while first deliveries have been delayed into 2027.
- Analysts warn the route’s profitability depends on fuel prices, delivery and certification timelines, and competition from Gulf and Asian hub carriers as Qantas keeps existing one-stop services in place.