Air Update
Qantas launches Project Sunrise route
Qantas has confirmed Sydney-London as the first route under its long-awaited Project Sunrise program, with daily non-stop flights scheduled to begin in October 2027. Operated by specially designed Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, the service will become the first direct connection between Australia’s east coast and the UK, cutting up to four hours from current journey times and eliminating the need for a stopover.
The announcement marks a major milestone for the airline, which first launched the Kangaroo Route in 1947 with seven stops and a journey time of four days. Designed specifically for ultra-long-haul travel, the new aircraft will feature dedicated wellbeing spaces, enhanced cabin comfort and fast onboard Wi-Fi to help passengers manage flights of up to 22 hours. Sydney-London will be followed by Sydney-New York as the next phase of Project Sunrise, further expanding non-stop travel options from Australia.
Qantas and Jetstar confirm WSI services
Western Sydney International Airport has secured its first domestic airline services, with Jetstar and Qantas confirming flights to Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast ahead of the airport’s opening in October 2026. Jetstar will operate the inaugural passenger flight from the new 24-hour airport, departing for the Gold Coast on 25 October, while Qantas services will commence in March 2027.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Sydney’s second international airport, which is expected to provide greater choice and connectivity for travellers across Western Sydney. Alongside passenger services, Qantas Freight will begin operating from the airport’s integrated cargo precinct, supporting the airport’s vision as a 24-hour hub for domestic, international and freight operations.
Jetstar launches business class upgrades
JetStar has introduced a new upgrade option allowing eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members to bid for a business class seat on JQ-operated Boeing 787 international flights using QF points and cash.
On Jeststar’s Melbourne-Ho Chi Minh City route, for instance, customers can bid for a business class upgrade from $180pp, with Points Plus Pay allowing up to 80% of the bid to be covered using Quantas Points.
Qantas returns to The Gold Coast
Qantas returned international services to the Gold Coast, with flights now operating between the Queensland hub and Auckland.
The service is operated three times a week and marks the first time Qantas has operated the route in more than five years.
Philippine Airlines Set to Join oneworld
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding to become a member of the oneworld airline alliance, in what the carrier’s president Lucio C. Tan II described as “defining and transformative moment.”
The addition will boost the oneworld global network by 31 destinations, with oneworld chairman, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom saying the most “supports our long term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region.”
Once PAL enters oneworld, members of the airline’s Mabuhay Miles program will be able to reciprocally earn and redeem miles and points across all oneworld member airlines, including Quantas, with top tier members also enjoying access to partner lounges around the globe.
Company Update
Final stop for Global Conference Tour 2026
Gray Dawes Travel has concluded its Global Conference Tour 2026, with the final event taking place at Peppers Marysville in Victoria. Bringing together colleagues, leaders and industry partners from across Australia and the wider business, the conference celebrated achievements from the past year while outlining ambitious growth plans for Australia and the APAC region.
Highlights included keynote presentations from CEO Suzanne Horner, Senior Vice President APAC Kathryn Sari and performance psychologist Dr Jemma King. The event also featured team-building activities, workshops and networking opportunities, reinforcing the company’s focus on collaboration, innovation and delivering exceptional client service.
Travel Advice
Middle East Travel Advice Updated
The Australian Government has revised its travel advice for several destinations across the Middle East, lowering the advisory level for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar from Do Not Travel to Reconsider Your Need to Travel.
The change follows recent diplomatic developments in the region and means that two of the world’s busiest international transit hubs are once again considered suitable for essential travel, subject to ongoing monitoring.
Travel advice has also been lowered for Israel, Bahrain, and Kuwait. However, Lebanon remains at Do Not Travel.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed it will continue to closely monitor the security situation and review travel advice regularly. Advisory levels may change again if conditions deteriorate.
If your itinerary includes travel through the Middle East, we recommend that you:
- Review the latest Smartraveller advice before departure.
- Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance in place and understand what your policy covers.
- Monitor airline updates, as schedules and operations may continue to change.
Our team is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will support travellers and travel bookers with any itinerary changes or advice required.
If you have upcoming travel through the region and require assistance, please contact your Gray Dawes Travel consultant.
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