Qantas’ Record Flight Brings Nonstop London Trips Closer

An Airbus A350-1000ULR developed for Qantas has set a distance record after flying 23,155 kilometres between Melbourne and Toulouse in July. Airbus confirmed the achievement on 9 November, following a flight lasting 24 hours and 24 minutes. No fare-paying passengers were aboard, but the test demonstrated the aircraft’s long-distance range ahead of Qantas’ planned nonstop Sydney–London service, scheduled to begin next year.

When Qantas’ Sydney–London Flights Will Begin

• Airline and aircraft: Qantas, with a specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR carrying 238 passengers across four cabin classes.
• Route: Sydney–London and London–Sydney, nonstop as flights QF1 and QF2.
• Launch: October 2027, subject to aircraft certification and the necessary regulatory approvals.
• Frequency: Daily departures planned in both directions.
• Season: Intended as a regular year-round service rather than a limited winter or summer schedule.

Passengers could save up to four hours compared with the current Sydney–Singapore–London service, which Qantas plans to retain under flight numbers QF5 and QF6. Its Perth–London nonstop service will also remain an option. Bookings for the new route are expected to open in February 2027, although fares and exact departure times are still unconfirmed. Check the airline’s website before arranging connecting journeys.

Skipping a transit stop could make it easier to arrange onward rail travel to Bath, Oxford or Edinburgh after arriving in London. The same applies in reverse: visitors landing in Sydney can reach the harbour, beaches or Blue Mountains without changing planes overseas. Anyone continuing to other Australian cities should still compare domestic flight timings and transfer costs before settling on an itinerary.

Comfort will matter on a flight expected to last as long as 22 hours. Qantas says its A350-1000ULR will have Economy Plus seats with 34-inch seat pitch, free Wi-Fi and a dedicated stretching area. With fares unpublished, connecting services may still be better value. Once bookings open, compare total journey times, cabin facilities and ticket conditions rather than focusing only on the nonstop option.