Qantas Targets Mid-2028 for Sydney–New York Nonstops, With Sales in August 2027
Qantas plans to launch Sydney–JFK nonstops in mid-2028, cutting roughly three hours from the journey. Tickets are due on sale in August 2027; fares and award availability remain unannounced.
Qantas plans to begin nonstop Sydney–New York JFK flights in mid-2028, with tickets scheduled to go on sale in August 2027. Travellers in the United States and Canada should use that sales date as a planning marker, not a confirmed booking opportunity today: the supplied announcement includes no fares in USD or CAD and no award-seat details.
The 9,950-mile service would be the first regularly scheduled nonstop link between Australia and New York. Qantas expects journeys of about 18 hours eastbound and 20 hours westbound, saving roughly three hours over existing one-stop options. It also intends to retain its daily Sydney–Auckland–JFK service, preserving a stopover option for North American travellers and connectivity for New Zealand flyers. Sydney–London Heathrow is scheduled to launch first, in October 2027.
The New York launch depends on Qantas having five specially equipped Airbus A350-1000ULRs available. Each aircraft will seat 238 passengers across first, business, premium economy and economy, with a dedicated wellbeing area and planned free Wi-Fi. Qantas hopes to command roughly a 20% premium over connecting itineraries, but actual pricing has not been announced.
For loyalty travellers, American Airlines’ AAdvantage is the relevant major US partner program to watch because American and Qantas belong to oneworld; that relationship does not guarantee award access on the new flights. Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus and Delta SkyMiles members should not assume their miles will book this service. Likewise, holders of US Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards or Canadian travel cards should verify eligible booking options and live availability before transferring points. Canadian passengers would still need to reach JFK, so compare the full journey with Air Canada and other connecting alternatives rather than the nonstop flight time alone.
Country context
This briefing was written for the Airline News desk of the Canadian and US editions. Fares and offers change quickly — confirm details with the airline or issuer before booking.
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