Qantas Airways has once again pushed back the timeline for its ambitious "Project Sunrise," now aiming to launch non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York no earlier than 2027. This delay is primarily attributed to ongoing issues with the delivery of the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which are specially designed for these ultra-long-haul routes.
During a media briefing in Hamburg, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson confirmed that the first of these modified aircraft is now expected to arrive at the end of 2026, a significant shift from the original delivery schedule that aimed for late 2025. The Airbus A350-1000s will be equipped with extra fuel tanks, allowing them to fly directly from Australia’s east coast to major destinations without the need for refueling stops.
Originally launched in 2017, Project Sunrise was designed to offer the world’s longest non-stop passenger flights. After extensive negotiations, Qantas ordered twelve Airbus A350-1000 ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft in 2022, with the goal of commencing commercial service in 2026. However, production delays and issues with interior fit-outs have hindered this timeline.
Hudson noted that for daily operations on ultra-long-haul routes, at least three of these aircraft are necessary, and since the third A350-1000 is not expected to be delivered until spring 2027, the launch of the non-stop services will be postponed accordingly. “We’ll be doing lots of training with our pilots and our cabin crew,” Hudson explained. “We will have that first aircraft probably flying on the Tasman to New Zealand, where it gives us a little bit of time to stretch its legs, but not too far.”
Interestingly, Qantas plans to initially operate the first A350-1000s on the relatively short route between Sydney and Auckland. While this may seem like an unusual choice, it allows pilots and cabin crew to become familiar with the new aircraft. It also provides maintenance teams valuable experience handling this new model, a strategy previously employed by other airlines, including British Airways.
The A350-1000s, specially configured for Project Sunrise, will accommodate 238 passengers across four classes: six First Class Suites, 52 Business Class seats, 40 Premium Economy seats, and 140 Economy seats. Notably, the Economy Class will feature a generous 33-inch seat pitch, aimed at enhancing passenger comfort on long flights. Additionally, there will be a wellness area on board, allowing passengers to move around and relax during their journey.
Hudson further elaborated on the potential flight paths for the London service, indicating that the aircraft may occasionally fly over the North Pole to avoid Russian airspace, which remains closed to Western carriers due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “The really unique thing about this flight is that at some times of the year, the fastest way to get from Sydney to London will be over Japan and over the North Pole and down the other side because of the wind direction,” she stated. “Our pilots are doing lots of flight planning for that flight. They’ve got over 12 months’ worth of wind data and are doing lots of flight-planning simulations.”
Despite the delays, Qantas remains committed to the success of Project Sunrise. Hudson emphasized that the additional time will be utilized to ensure that both the aircraft and operational processes meet the highest standards. While the introduction of non-stop flights is highly anticipated, Qantas also plans to maintain and optimize its existing international connections to cater to diverse passenger needs.
Passengers should expect a 20 percent premium for the non-stop service compared to the airline’s current Sydney-London flights that include stopovers in Singapore or Perth. Hudson acknowledged that there are customers who value the convenience of direct flights and are willing to pay for that premium experience.
The aviation industry is closely monitoring the developments surrounding Project Sunrise. If Qantas successfully launches these non-stop flights, it could set new standards in international air travel, fundamentally changing how people travel between continents. The excitement surrounding this project is palpable, as both the airline and its customers await the arrival of these state-of-the-art aircraft.
In summary, while the delays to Project Sunrise may be disappointing for many, they also reflect Qantas's commitment to ensuring that all operational aspects are thoroughly prepared for the launch of these groundbreaking flights. With the first A350-1000s set to arrive in late 2026 and initial services commencing in early 2027, the airline is poised to redefine long-haul travel.
