A new way to fly
Forget the travel friction and concerns about missed connections: non-stop flights to Europe and the US East Coast are coming soon.
Long-distance flights are about to have a makeover, thanks to new aircraft and a new way of thinking about international air travel.
For those with ties to the United Kingdom and Europe, or an enduring fascination with major US cities, Qantas’s ambitious Project Sunrise promises to make those journeys simpler than ever before.
Project Sunrise is designed to introduce ultra‑long-haul, non-stop flights from Australia to destinations such as London, New York, and other major cities along the US East Coast.
Instead of breaking the journey with a time‑consuming stopover in Asia, the Middle East, or the US West Coast, travellers will be able to board a single flight and arrive directly at their destination.
For Australians keen to explore their UK or European heritage, this is a significant change. A non-stop journey eliminates airport transfers, security checks in unfamiliar cities, reduces the risk of luggage lost in transit, and the physical effort of repacking and reboarding.
For many older travellers, this reduced “travel friction” can make a once‑daunting journey feel far more achievable.
In the other direction, you’ll soon be able to fly direct to explore New York’s museums and theatres, the great monuments of Washington, DC, Boston’s historic neighbourhoods, and Florida’s theme parks and coastal attractions.
Of course, flying non-stop for close to 20 hours presents its own challenges. Extended time in the air can place demands on comfort, movement, and wellbeing.
Qantas has acknowledged this and has designed its specially commissioned Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft with passenger comfort firmly in mind — regardless of which class you are travelling in.
Cabins have been planned to feature improved air quality, higher humidity levels, and better cabin lighting designed to help reduce jet lag.
In‑flight movement zones and stretching spaces are intended to encourage travellers to leave their seats regularly, while seating across all classes has been designed with back support and ergonomics as priorities.
Meal timing, lighting, and entertainment are also being calibrated to help passengers adjust more smoothly to their destination time zone.
Importantly for seniors, this signals a shift away from the idea that such flights are only for business travellers or the young and energetic. The intent is to make non-stop long‑haul flying as comfortable and manageable as possible for everyone.
That said, nonstop is not the only way — nor necessarily the best way — to travel long distances.
Many Australians still enjoy the rhythm of breaking a journey with a stopover in Southeast Asia or the Middle East (when it is safe to do so), turning the trip into part of the holiday.
Others may choose a hybrid approach: taking the “slow way” over with a stop to rest and explore, then flying non-stop on the return leg when energy levels are lower and homesickness is kicking in.
The key benefit of Project Sunrise is choice. It adds another option to the travel landscape, allowing us to tailor long journeys to suit our health, comfort, and sense of adventure.
Qantas, which already offers non-stop flights to Europe from Perth, expects to launch its Project Sunrise flights in early 2027.
As ultra-long-haul travel opens up exciting new possibilities, it’s also a timely reminder to consider your travel insurance coverage before embarking on a lengthy international journey.
National Seniors members save 10%* on Travel Insurance
*The discount applies to the total National Seniors travel insurance premium and is for National Seniors Australia members only. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. AGA has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.
National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003, AR 282736, is an authorised representative of AWP Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 52 097 227 177, AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), and acts as AGA's agent and not as your agent. nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 acts as third party administrator on behalf of AGA, managing claims, complaints, enquiries and sales. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider whether the product is appropriate for you, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) is available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921.
Photo by Ruslan Masharipov/Pexels
