Qantas is gearing up for the full-scale launch of its highly anticipated ultra-long-haul flights under Project Sunrise by the northern summer of 2027. This bold venture was outlined by Scott Zeglin, the Head of Commercial Strategy & Performance at Qantas Group, during the Routes Asia 2025 conference held in Perth.
The airline's plans hinge on the delivery of new aircraft, specifically the Airbus A350-1000, with the first of 12 A350-1000ULRs scheduled to arrive in the second half of calendar year 2026. In addition, Qantas is set to welcome another 12 A350-1000LRs from FY28. "We’ll have a number of training sectors and crew familiarisations … as we wait for the additional deliveries to come through," Zeglin emphasized, reiterating that the northern summer of 2027 is a realistic target for the launch of these long-haul opportunities, which includes direct flights to destinations like London and New York.
Prior to Zeglin's comments, industry experts had speculated that the flights could potentially commence as early as late 2026. However, the timeline has been adjusted to allow for the necessary preparations, including operational and crew testing once the aircraft have been delivered. Project Sunrise’s aim is to operate nonstop flights from Australia’s east coast to these major cities, cutting down on travel time typically associated with routes that require stopovers.
Importantly, even with this shift toward nonstop flights, Qantas plans to retain key one-stop international services. Zeglin reaffirmed the significance of these routes, such as the Sydney-Singapore-London and Sydney-Auckland-New York flights, asserting that these connecting services will remain integral to the airline's strategy to serve different travel needs within a unified long-haul approach. According to him, "The A380 service through Singapore delivers volume, while the A350 Sunrise will deliver nonstop, premium differentiation." This dual offering aims to target high-yield premium demand while also maintaining broader passenger connectivity, supporting overall network flexibility.
The upcoming Project Sunrise A350-1000s are specially configured for ultra-long-haul travel, featuring a low-density, premium-heavy layout that accommodates only 238 passengers. Zeglin described this setup as designed for high-yield markets, stating, "It’s an ultra-long-haul aircraft with 238 seats—it’s the least number of seats fitted of any of the A350-1000s that have been announced—and it’s incredibly premium." This focus on premium travelers marks a significant shift in how Qantas approaches long-haul air travel.
Furthermore, the Sydney-Auckland-New York service, which has gained traction post-COVID-19, will persist as a prominent aspect of Qantas' long-haul strategy. Zeglin noted that the Auckland stopover has proven effective operationally, stating, "Auckland has worked well as a hub. It’s a good transfer experience for us. We’re investing in a lounge in Auckland as well." This reflects Qantas' commitment to enhancing the travel experience while ensuring capacity meets market demand.
One of the main advantages of the Project Sunrise fleet is its versatility. The A350-1000s not only provide an opportunity to fly nonstop to key markets but also offer the ability to adapt routes dynamically based on demand fluctuations and geopolitical conditions. Zeglin emphasized this adaptability, stating, "The exciting part about this new fleet is that with the range capability, you're not just buying one plane for a particular route and that's it. You've got the right gauge and cabin configurations that allow you to be quite flexible and dynamic." This level of operational flexibility is crucial for Qantas as it navigates a rapidly changing aviation landscape.
Deliveries of the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft are expected to begin in late 2026, with Qantas looking forward to the first nonstop flights to London and New York during the northern summer of 2027. This launch is anticipated to mark a transformative era for Qantas, greatly enhancing its capabilities and competitiveness in the global long-haul market.
Project Sunrise is seen not just as an operational advancement but also as a strategic investment aimed at bolstering long-term network resilience. The aircraft's performance will empower Qantas to conduct full payload operations—including passengers, luggage, and freight—even in the face of airspace restrictions. As Zeglin put it, "We can hit a pretty significant payload block with Project Sunrise—full pax, full bags and freight, we can do circles around some of the airspace closures." This operational strength underscores Qantas' intention to offer a reliable international service platform into the next decade.
As Qantas embarks on this journey, it aims not only to redefine ultra-long-haul travel but also to reinforce the significance of a diverse route structure, balancing nonstop luxury with volume-driven connections. In a time when travel preferences are diversifying, Qantas' approach represents a forward-thinking strategy that addresses both premium demands and broader traveler needs, ensuring their enduring presence in the global aviation sector.
