Qantas, the Australian airline, has appealed to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to maintain Midway Island as an approved ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operations Performance Standards) airport. This move aims to prevent increased operational costs and prevent disruptions to the airline's transpacific flights, including upcoming non-stop routes from Sydney to London Heathrow and New York JFK. The carrier emphasizes the importance of Midway as a contingency airport for its long-haul operations.
Simultaneously, Qantas announced its plans to operate non-stop flights between Sydney Kingsford Smith and New York JFK starting in 2028, utilizing its Airbus A350-1000(ULR) aircraft. The flights are part of the airline’s Project Sunrise initiative to establish ultra-long-haul routes, with tickets anticipated for sale in August 2027. The first A350-1000(ULR) is scheduled to arrive in April 2027, while the Sydney-London Heathrow service is expected to commence in October 2027. These developments underscore Qantas's strategic push to expand its global route network and enhance long-distance flight options, contingent on regulatory approval.
