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Qantas’ Non-Stop Flights Delayed Again
If you were anticipating the non-stop flight between London and Sydney in 2027, you’ll have to wait a little longer.
The first of the 12 specially adapted Ultra Long Range Airbus A350-1000 aircraft will now be delivered in April 2027, pushing back the launch of Project Sunrise flights. This also means the Sydney-to-New York route will be delayed.
It’s disappointing to hear of further delays to the routes, which have been among the most talked-about in aviation since their announcement in 2022. Once launched, the London-Sydney service is expected to reduce journey times by around four hours compared with current one-stop options.
The Ultra Long Range A350s will have just 238 seats across four cabins, with more than 40% of the aircraft dedicated to premium seating. There will be new First and Business Class suites, alongside dedicated wellbeing areas designed to make flights of up to 22 hours more comfortable.
The delay is understood to be linked to ongoing supply chain issues affecting Airbus. The first A350-1000ULR is about to undergo a flight test programme focused on the modified fuel system.
Deliveries will follow quickly after the first arrival, so Project Sunrise is expected to return to schedule by November 2027. Pilot training is already well underway in Sydney, and the first route and timing of the inaugural flights will be announced later this month.
Best Hotel Sales and Offers Still Running
Whether you’re planning a trip or wondering whether you’ve got the best deal on a cancellable booking, some fantastic hotel promotions are running at the moment. Some deals also require you to register, so make sure you double-check before you book. Here are the top options still running:
Leading Hotels of the World: Pay 3, Stay 4
Selected Leading Hotels of the World properties are currently offering a fourth night free when you book and pay for three nights. That’s a potential saving of 25%!
While this promotion has no end date, it’s best to take advantage sooner rather than later, as you never know when it will end.
MeliΓ‘ Wonder Week
Book by: 8th June
Stay by: 20th December (some have until 30th April 2027)
Save up to 40% at more than 300 properties. Each destination has its own deal, and top discounts include:
- Balearics: up to 40% off + 1 child stays free
- UK: Up to 40% off + 1 child stays free
- Germany: Up to 40% off + 1 child stays free
- Canary Islands: Up to 35% off + 1 child stays free
- Madrid: Up to 35% off
- Costa del Sol: Up to 35% off
- Alicante and Benidorm: Up to 35% off
- Portugal: Up to 35% off
Availability is limited to a set number of rooms, so the best discounts are unlikely to last until the booking deadline.
Double Marriott Points on Homes & Villas Stays
Book by: 30th June
Stay by: Before 12th July 2026
You can still earn 2X Points on Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy bookings across the US and Europe on stays of 4 or more nights.
Hilton More Nights More Points Summer Bonus
Stay by: 15th August
Hilton is offering:
- 2,000 Bonus Points on stays of 1-3 nights
- 4,000 Bonus Points on stays of 4 nights or more
This applies to the entire Hilton portfolio with no limit on the total number of bonus points you can earn. Remember to register; otherwise, you won’t earn the bonus!
The Hilton Summer Sale
Book by: 3rd September
Stay by: 7th September 2026
Save up to 20% on stays in Europe and Africa. Stays are generally limited to weekends, covering Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, but there are some great deals to be found.
IHG Pick Your Points
Stay by: 31st August 2026
You can choose between earning:
- 2,000 bonus points every 2 nights
- 8,000 bonus points every 4 nights
You must register for this offer first and pick one of the options before you stay.
Hyatt: Save Up to 25%
Book by: 31st July
Stay by: 31st October 2026
You can now save up to 25% on stays in Europe and North Africa and receive a complimentary breakfast.
Accor Summer Sale
Save 25% on stays of 2-7 nights and up to 35% off stays – 25% off + up to 10% extra savings for members. Eligible stay dates vary by brand, but all are running until at least 7th September and some until 30th September.
4x Points for Stays at New Accor Properties
Book by: 7th June
Stay by: Before 4th October
In celebration of the opening or re-opening of hotels in the portfolio, you can enjoy 4x points, and you can stay up to 3 times. This is an ongoing promotion with new hotels added to the list every 60 days.
Save 20% + Earn 3x-4x Reward Points at Selected Accor Properties.
Book by:
- Lifestyle hotels in the Americas and Europe – 17th June
- Lifestyle hotels in the Middle East and Asia Pacific – 31st July
- All-inclusive hotels worldwide 31st July
Stay Dates: 3rd July-7th September
This promotion covers lifestyle and immersive hotels. This promotion includes selected lifestyle and all-inclusive hotels, including Mama Shelter, The Hoxton, 25hours, SLS, SO/, Mondrian, Hyde, Delano, Banyan Tree, Rixos, Faena, and 21c.
