Australia’s leading airline, Qantas, has unveiled the initial images of its cutting-edge ultra-long-haul Airbus aircraft, which is set to achieve a historic 22-hour non-stop flight. This revolutionary airplane will establish a new milestone in aviation by connecting Sydney directly to London and New York by 2027, marking the longest commercial flight ever undertaken.
Currently under construction in Toulouse, France, the aircraft’s key components, such as the fuselage, wings, and landing gear, have been successfully assembled. Qantas displayed this significant progress at its annual general meeting in Brisbane, labeling the next-gen aircraft as a transformative force for international air travel.
The A350-1000ULR will play a pivotal role in Qantas’s ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, aiming to link Australia’s east coast with major global cities without layovers. Each flight is expected to last up to 22 hours, offering passengers savings of up to four hours compared to existing one-stop routes.
The aircraft will soon transition to a dedicated hangar for the installation of engines and flight equipment before embarking on an intensive testing phase in 2026. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson praised this development as a defining moment for the airline’s worldwide aspirations.
Hudson stated, “With Australia’s strategic location, Qantas has a strong legacy of surpassing aviation boundaries. Project Sunrise will not only conquer the challenges of distance but will revolutionize how our passengers navigate the globe.”
The aircraft’s exceptional range is achieved through a supplementary 20,000-liter rear fuel tank and state-of-the-art onboard systems, ensuring optimal endurance, comfort, and safety. When Project Sunrise commences in 2027, it will enable what was once considered unattainable—direct flights spanning half the globe.
To tackle the physical demands of such extended travel, Qantas has collaborated with Australian designer David Caon and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. This team, comprising sleep specialists, devised tailored lighting schemes and meal timings to mitigate jet lag.
Unlike the standard A350-1000 aircraft accommodating over 300 passengers, Qantas’s variant will carry just 238 travelers, offering enhanced personal space. It will introduce a new “Wellbeing Zone” between Premium Economy and Economy, featuring amenities like stretch handles, guided exercise screens, a hydration station, and light snacks to keep passengers refreshed throughout the journey.
Named after Qantas’s historic “Double Sunrise” flights during World War II, Project Sunrise embodies the airline’s legacy of pushing boundaries. By introducing this new era of aircraft, Qantas is once again at the forefront of advancing air travel limits.
Additionally, the airline has announced the launch of a new domestic travel class, Economy Plus, providing extra legroom, priority boarding, and designated overhead storage. The upgrade will be available for purchase starting February, with complimentary access for elite frequent flyers.
The initial delivery of one of the 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft is anticipated in late 2026, paving the way for commercial operations in early 2027. Qantas expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, marking it as a significant milestone in international aviation.