Australian airline Qantas is moving closer to launching its ambitious ultra-long-haul “Project Sunrise” service, which aims to operate non-stop flights of up to 22 hours between Sydney and destinations such as London and New York using the Airbus A350-1000ULR.
The first aircraft for the programme is currently undergoing final assembly in Toulouse, where engines have recently been installed ahead of ground checks and a two-month flight testing phase. The specially modified aircraft includes an additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank, allowing it to cover unprecedented distances without refuelling.
If launched as planned, the new routes will surpass the current longest commercial flight operated by Singapore Airlines, which runs between Newark and Singapore at around 18 hours and 30 minutes.
Qantas says the aircraft has been designed with passenger wellbeing in mind, incorporating what it describes as a “science-backed” cabin layout intended to reduce jet lag and improve comfort on extended journeys. The A350-1000ULR will carry 238 passengers, significantly fewer than standard configurations, to allow for additional space.
A key feature is a dedicated “wellbeing zone” located between premium economy and economy cabins. The area will be open to all passengers and includes stretching equipment, guided exercise screens, and self-service hydration and snack stations aimed at encouraging movement during the long flight.
The cabin layout includes six first-class suites, 52 business class suites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, 40 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout, and 140 economy seats in a 3-3-3 arrangement. In premium cabins, Qantas has prioritised space, with first-class suites offering significantly larger personal areas and fully flat beds extending up to two metres.
Business class seats also convert into lie-flat beds and are wider than those on the airline’s Airbus A380 fleet. Premium economy passengers will benefit from increased seat pitch and adjustable headrests, while economy passengers will have features such as calf support and adjustable seating designed for long-haul comfort.
The airline will also introduce free high-speed Wi-Fi through a partnership with Viasat, along with Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones on the in-flight entertainment system.
The project forms part of Qantas’ long-running “Project Sunrise” initiative, first conceived in 2017, which aims to eliminate stopovers on ultra-long-haul routes from Australia’s east coast. Test flights were initially conducted in 2019 before being delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Qantas now expects the first commercial services to begin in 2027, although exact launch dates have not yet been confirmed. Qantas Group chief executive Vanessa Hudson said the programme is intended to “transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel” by reducing journey times and improving onboard comfort through redesigned cabin science.
