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Qantas’ first Project Sunrise aircraft has left the initial assembly line at the Airbus plant in Toulouse.
The first images have been released of the specially constructed A350-1000ULR, which is slated for delivery in late 2026, ahead of the launch of non-stop flights from the east coast to London and New York in 2027.
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All major airframe components are now in place, including forward, centre and rear fuselage sections, as well as attachment of wings, tail section and landing gear. The plane will now have engines and instruments fitted ahead of flight testing to begin next year.
“Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers. Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world,” said Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson.
“These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing.”
According to Qantas, the cabin has been designed “from the ground up” to ensure passenger comfort during the ultra-long-haul flights.
“The aircraft will fly for up to 22 hours non-stop, made possible by an additional 20,000 litre rear centre fuel tank and enhanced systems, with every element designed around passenger comfort and wellbeing for ultra-long-haul operations,” the airline said.
“Key to the cabin design has been giving passengers more space, with a 238-seat configuration versus the 300-plus seats layout used by other A350-1000 operators.
“This includes a purpose-built Wellbeing Zone located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins featuring integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise programs, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.”
The news follows the entry into service earlier this year of Qantas’ first domestic A321XLR aircraft, which will replace its older 737-800s.
Stephen Forshaw, Airbus’ chief representative in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, told Australian Aviation on the inaugural A321XLR flight that the planemaker is proud to be partnering with Qantas as it looks ahead to Project Sunrise.
“We’re proud of the fact that Qantas has chosen our aircraft, the A220, the A321 and the A350. It is a huge responsibility on us to deliver on those commitments,” he said.
“The big one, of course, is the A350-1000ULR that starts delivery next year, that Qantas will ultimately put into service on the Sydney to London and Sydney to New York non-stop routes. They will be the longest two flights in the world, by a long way.
“So we have to work really hard with Qantas to make sure that’s delivered well, that the aircraft performs well, and that we work with them to ensure that the services provided on board to customers are what customers can expect and want on a flight that long.”
The A321XLR and A350-1000ULR form part of Qantas’ massive fleet renewal program, which is seeing the carrier transition from a mostly-Boeing airline to largely Airbus.
