The first Airbus A350-1000ULR for Qantas' Project Sunrise is progressing through assembly at Airbus's facility in Toulouse, France. Key airframe components, including forward, centre and rear fuselage sections, have been joined, with wings, tail section and landing gear now attached.
Next steps include installation of engines and flight test instruments, with the test flight program set to begin next year. The first of 12 A350-1000ULRs is scheduled for delivery to Qantas from late 2026.
Qantas expects to launch non-stop Project Sunrise flights from Australia's east coast to London and New York in the first half of 2027. The aircraft will fly up to 22 hours non-stop, thanks to an additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank, cutting up to four hours off total travel time compared to one-stop services.
The onboard experience will feature more space, customised lighting and meal service to minimise jetlag, and a Wellbeing Zone with stretch handles and exercise programs. The aircraft will have 238 seats, fewer than the 300-plus seats on other A350-1000s.
Separately, Qantas announced Qantas Economy Plus on domestic and short-haul international fleets, offering extra legroom, priority boarding and overhead space. Available from February 2026 on A321XLR, A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft, Platinum members get complimentary access, while Gold members receive it at check-in.
