Though Qantas’ much anticipated launch of direct, ultra long-haul flights from Sydney to New York and London are delayed until the “first half” of 2027, the Australian flag carrier has edged closer to getting its hands on its first Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR aircraft, with the widebody about to enter final assembly at Airbus’ factory in Toulouse, France.
“Direct flights from the east coast of Australia to London and New York are a step closer to reality, with the first Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR (ultra long range) aircraft to enter the final assembly line in the coming months, and the first aircraft delivery expected in October next year,” Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said as the airline announced strong fiscal year 2025 earnings results and an order for 20 additional A321XLR narrowbodies.
During the 12 months ended 30 June, Qantas saw sustained growth in demand for international travel — with revenue per available seat kilometer (RASK) turning positive in the fourth quarter — as well as strong demand for premium cabins across its international network.
To wit, sixteen of its 20 additional A321XLR (extra long range) aircraft will feature lie-flat seats up front and seatback IFE throughout in preparation for supporting medium-haul international travel. That’s a departure from the configuration aboard Qantas’ first batch of A321XLRs, which are gradually replacing its Boeing 737s on domestic routes, and will open up new services on secondary routes to Asia; these twinjets do no sport lie-flats and seatback IFE.
The momentum around premium travel bodes well for Qantas as it readies to accept and then induct the A350-1000ULR into service.
“The strong financial performance and customer satisfaction on existing ultra long-haul routes, including to Europe and the United States, continues to provide confidence ahead of Project Sunrise,” said Qantas Group, whose international division achieved a 20 percent improvement in underlying EBIT to A$903 million during FY2025.
“The aircraft will fly the first non-stop ultra long haul commercial flight in the first half of calendar year 2027,” it said, though this timeline is “subject to receiving necessary regulatory approvals and certifications.” It expects to take delivery of two more A350-1000ULRs by the end of March 2027.
With flight times for Sydney-New York and Sydney-London expected to clock in at nearly 21 hours and 22hr 30min, respectively, Qantas understands that onboard wellness will be top of mind for passengers on board the four-class A350-1000ULR.
Large 4K IFE screens for each cabin class are being fitted to the twin-aisle aircraft from nose to tail — 32″ in first, 18″ in business, and 13.3″ in both premium economy and economy. Another key distraction, free Wi-Fi for all, will be supported by Viasat’s network.
First class passengers can expect enclosed private suites inclusive of both a seat and a bed.
A doored staggered seat, based on Safran’s Unity mini-suite product (seen elsewhere and celebrated on Japan Airlines’ A350-1000s), will feature in business class.
Premium economy will boast winged privacy and adjustable calf rests, while economy class seats are based on the popular Recaro R3 seating platform, and will be pitched at a generous 33″ versus the standard 31″ found on most widebodies flying internationally.
Qantas will also be the first airline in the world to offer a purpose-built Wellbeing Zone located between the premium economy and economy cabins. This zone features a movement area with comfort leaners, a guided on-screen exercise program, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.
Passengers have responded enthusiastically to Qantas’ renderings of the forthcoming new products, though some are surprised the carrier will offer economy class aboard the A350-1000ULR, given the ultra-long flights it will support.
A quick scan of the comments on Qantas’ Project Sunrise video on YouTube exemplifies the excitement around Project Sunrise.
Interestingly, Qantas says the success of its Boeing 787-9 routes, including its one-stop from Sydney to London via Singapore “continues to show Project Sunrise’s potential.”
Qantas has great expectations for Project Sunrise. It expects to launch these ultra long-haul flights in the first half of calendar 2027 (specified as the fourth quarter of its fiscal year.) Image: Qantas
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All images credited to Qantas
