The aviation industry is buzzing with excitement as Qantas prepares to launch its ambitious Project Sunrise, aimed at establishing direct non-stop flights between Australia and major international hubs such as London and New York. With an order of 12 ultra-long-haul Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, the Australian airline is moving closer to its goal, despite facing delays in the production of both the aircraft and their custom interiors.
According to Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson, the new Airbus A350-1000s will enable the airline to connect Australia’s East Coast to key destinations around the globe without the need for a stopover. The anticipated first delivery of the A350-1000 is projected for the end of 2026, with commercial service expected to begin shortly thereafter in early 2027.
Hudson disclosed the timeline during an interview at the Airbus Summit 2025 in Toulouse, where she addressed concerns about the delays that pushed back the expected commencement of Project Sunrise from 2025 to early 2027. She detailed the first aircraft’s entry into production slated for September 2025, which is essential for the airline to begin operating these long-haul flights.
Qantas will need three of the A350-1000s to run a daily service between Sydney and New York or London. This means that the airline will not initiate Project Sunrise services until it has enough aircraft, with the third plane not expected to arrive until at least the spring of 2027. In the meantime, the first A350-1000 is slated to initially operate shorter flights to familiarize pilots and cabin crews with the new aircraft.
In a development that surprised many, Hudson announced that the first confirmed destination for the A350-1000 will be Auckland, New Zealand, which is approximately three hours from Sydney. While this choice may seem puzzling to those eagerly anticipating the flights to London or New York, it's a common airline practice to initially operate new aircraft on shorter routes. This gives crews and ground staff the opportunity to learn the nuances of the aircraft and refine their operational procedures before extending to longer flights.
As part of the Project Sunrise plan, Qantas intends to utilize the new aircraft on existing long-haul routes, including Perth to London and potentially Melbourne to Dallas and Auckland to JFK. Hudson further emphasized that the A350-1000's ultra-long-range capabilities will provide Qantas with enhanced flexibility in deploying the aircraft on high-demand routes.
Each A350-1000 will feature a total of 238 seats organized into four classes of service: six luxurious first-class suites, 52 lie-flat business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats. The economy class configuration will offer a more spacious pitch of 33 inches, which exceeds the standard used by many airlines today, providing passengers with a more comfortable experience on these lengthy flights.
Moreover, the airplane will be equipped with high-speed internet connectivity and an onboard wellness zone, aimed at giving passengers a much-needed option to stretch during what will be some of the longest flights currently available in commercial aviation.
In short, while the official launch of direct non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York is still a couple of years away, Qantas is actively taking steps to ensure a smooth introduction of its new fleet. Following the initial phase of short flights, the airline plans to expand its ultra-long-haul operations based on the demand and operational needs.
With an impressive order of 12 aircraft, Qantas stands poised to potentially change the landscape of international long-haul travel, providing passengers with unique and high-quality service options previously unavailable on such lengthy journeys. As air travel continues to adapt post-pandemic, Project Sunrise could become a game changer in the ultra-long-haul market, attracting travelers looking for innovative and comfortable travel experiences.
