Australia’s flagship airline, Qantas, has unveiled the initial images of its groundbreaking ultra-long-range Airbus aircraft poised to set a new aviation record with a 22-hour non-stop flight. This innovative jet is scheduled to link Sydney directly to London and New York by 2027, marking the longest commercial flight ever operated globally.
The assembly of the aircraft is currently ongoing in Toulouse, France, with its key components such as the fuselage, wings, and landing gear already assembled. Qantas presented this significant milestone at its annual general meeting in Brisbane, touting the next-generation plane as a transformative asset for international travel.
Set to be the cornerstone of Qantas’s ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, the A350-1000ULR aims to connect Australia’s east coast to major global cities without layovers. Each flight is slated to span up to 22 hours, offering travelers a time-saving advantage of up to four hours compared to existing one-stop routes.
Following the completion of major components assembly, the aircraft is set to transition to a dedicated hangar for the installation of engines and flight instruments before embarking on an extensive testing program in 2026. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed her enthusiasm for this milestone, emphasizing its pivotal role in the airline’s global expansion plans.
Hudson remarked, “Given Australia’s strategic location, Qantas has a rich history of pushing aviation boundaries. Project Sunrise will not only conquer the challenges of distance but will revolutionize how our passengers explore the world.” She added, “These flights will trim the journey time by up to four hours and revolutionize the ultra long-haul travel experience through scientifically designed features to reduce jetlag and enhance passenger well-being.”
The record-breaking range of the aircraft is made possible by an additional 20,000-liter rear fuel tank and cutting-edge onboard systems, ensuring optimal endurance, comfort, and safety. With the expected launch of Project Sunrise in 2027, non-stop flights covering half the globe will become a reality.
In addressing the physical demands of extended travel, Qantas has collaborated with Australian designer David Caon and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. This joint effort, inclusive of sleep experts, has developed tailored lighting schemes and meal timings to mitigate jetlag.
Unlike the standard A350-1000 aircraft accommodating over 300 passengers, Qantas’s variant will host only 238 travelers, providing enhanced personal space and introducing a novel “Wellbeing Zone” nestled between Premium Economy and Economy classes. This dedicated area will offer amenities such as stretch handles, interactive exercise displays, a hydration station, and light refreshments to ensure passenger comfort throughout the journey.
The name Project Sunrise pays homage to Qantas’s historic “Double Sunrise” flights during World War II, where the aircraft remained airborne long enough to witness two sunrises in a single trip. Through this new fleet of aircraft, Qantas is rekindling its pioneering spirit, pushing the boundaries of air travel once more.
Additionally, the airline announced the introduction of a new domestic travel class, Economy Plus, featuring added legroom, priority boarding, and exclusive overhead storage. This upgrade will be available for purchase starting February, with complimentary access for premium frequent flyers.
Anticipated to receive the first of the 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft by late 2026, Qantas is gearing up for commercial operations in early 2027. The airline’s teams are eagerly looking forward to this project, hailing it as a significant milestone for international aviation.