Qantas Sets Sights On NYC: Direct Route In The Works
As part of its long-haul expansion strategy, Qantas Sets Sights On NYC with plans to introduce a direct route between Australia and New York.
Speaking in Sydney this week, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the carrier currently sends around 300 people as Qantas sets sights on NYC — but due to aircraft limitations, passengers currently travel via Los Angeles or Dallas. Joyce confirmed the airline’s ambition to launch a non-stop Australia–New York route as soon as technology allows, Australian Business Traveller reported.
Current Route Challenges
At present, travellers flying Qantas to New York must connect via Los Angeles or Dallas, as no aircraft in the current fleet can complete the route directly. The journey requires a refuelling stop, making it less time-efficient compared to Qantas’ goal of offering a seamless, non-stop experience between Australia and the US East Coast.
Joyce stated that as soon as engineers develop an aircraft capable of flying the full distance without stopping, the airline would “go straight there”.
This limitation highlights the technological challenge faced by airlines striving to push the boundaries of long-haul aviation. While current routes remain reliable and comfortable, Qantas aims to eliminate unnecessary layovers to provide passengers with faster travel times, improved comfort, and greater convenience — ultimately transforming the way Australians reach New York.
Future Aircraft & Capabilities
The aircraft most likely to make this ultra-long-haul route possible is the Boeing 777-8X — a next-generation jet designed for extreme range and fuel efficiency. However, this model isn’t expected to be available until the early 2020s, delaying Qantas’s ability to launch non-stop services to New York.
“We’re looking at the new 777-8X that would potentially have the range to do it but that doesn’t come until [the early] 2020s.” – Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO.
In the meantime, Qantas continues to work closely with aircraft manufacturers and engineers to explore range-extension technologies and cabin designs that prioritise comfort and endurance. These innovations are key to making ultra-long-haul travel not just possible, but enjoyable for passengers embarking on 18 to 20-hour journeys.
Timeline for Launch
With at least a five-year wait for the right technology, Australians are expected to enjoy direct flights to Europe before the New York route becomes reality. Qantas is prioritising ultra-long-haul development that includes both the European and US markets, with aircraft range being the key determining factor.
Alan Joyce has confirmed that while Project Sunrise—Qantas’s initiative to connect Australia non-stop to major global destinations—is progressing steadily, routes like Perth to London will take off first due to available aircraft capabilities. Once the Boeing 777-8X or a similar model is ready, Qantas plans to extend this innovation to the New York market, setting a new global benchmark for endurance travel and passenger comfort.
Other Long-Haul Expansions
Earlier this year, Alan Joyce revealed plans to use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to operate non-stop flights from Perth to London — an 18-hour service expected to launch by 2017. This route marks a significant milestone in Qantas’s long-haul ambitions and sets the foundation for the eventual New York expansion.
Meanwhile, Qantas is preparing to increase its Sydney–Dallas service to daily flights starting 26 April next year. Operated by the Airbus A380, this service currently holds the record as the world’s longest commercial flight and further strengthens Qantas’s position in the trans-Pacific market.
For more details on Qantas’s global flight network and updates, contact Pure Travel for assistance with long-haul flight planning.
FAQ – Qantas sets sights on NYC
Q: When will Qantas launch direct flights to New York?
A: Qantas aims to launch direct flights once new aircraft technology, such as the Boeing 777-8X, becomes available — likely in the early 2020s.
Q: Why can’t Qantas fly directly to New York right now?
A: Current aircraft lack the range to complete the journey non-stop. Flights currently operate via Los Angeles or Dallas for refuelling.
Q: Which plane could make the direct New York flight possible?
A: The Boeing 777-8X, a next-generation ultra-long-range aircraft, is expected to make direct Australia–New York flights possible in the future.
Q: What other long-haul routes is Qantas planning?
A: Qantas is expanding its network to include non-stop Perth to London flights and daily Sydney to Dallas services operated by the A380.
Flying Further, Faster with Qantas
Qantas’s vision to connect Australia directly with New York showcases the airline’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern aviation. While passengers will need to wait a few more years for this ultra-long-haul route, Qantas’s investments in advanced aircraft technology and route innovation continue to redefine what’s possible in global travel.
