In a significant leap towards launching the world's longest commercial passenger flights, the first Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft for Qantas's ambitious Project Sunrise has reached a pivotal stage in its assembly. The milestone brings the airline closer to its goal of operating direct, non-stop services from Australia's east coast to global hubs like London and New York.
Major Assembly Milestones Achieved
Airbus has successfully joined all the key airframe components of the specialised aircraft at its production facility in Toulouse, France. The forward, centre, and rear fuselage sections are now united, with the wings, tail section, and landing gear securely attached. This structural completion marks a crucial phase before the aircraft's systems are integrated.
The next steps involve installing the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and equipping the jet with the necessary flight test instruments. A comprehensive test flight program is scheduled to commence next year, paving the way for the delivery of the first of twelve ordered A350-1000ULRs to Qantas starting in late 2026.
A New Era of Non-Stop Travel
Qantas has officially confirmed it expects to launch the groundbreaking Project Sunrise flights in the first half of 2027. These services will redefine long-haul travel by connecting Sydney directly to London and New York without any layovers. The aircraft's ultra-long-range (ULR) capability, bolstered by an additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank, will enable it to stay aloft for up to 22 hours continuously.
This direct routing is projected to slash total travel time by up to four hours compared to current one-stop options. Beyond the time savings, Qantas has meticulously engineered the entire onboard experience to combat the rigours of such extended journeys.
Passenger-Centric Cabin and New Economy Class
The Qantas A350-1000ULR will feature only 238 seats, a significant reduction from the 300-plus seats typically found on other A350-1000 aircraft. This design choice prioritises passenger space and comfort. Key features include:
- A purpose-built Wellbeing Zone located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
- Integrated stretch handles and guided on-screen exercise programs to promote circulation.
- A dedicated hydration station with refreshments.
- Customised lighting and meal service schedules scientifically designed to minimise jetlag.
In a separate but related announcement, Qantas revealed the introduction of Qantas Economy Plus across its domestic and short-haul international fleet. This new cabin class will offer travellers more choice with extra legroom, priority boarding, and priority access to overhead locker space.
The Qantas Economy Plus product will be available from February 2026 on the airline's new Airbus A321XLR, A220, and Boeing 737 aircraft. Platinum frequent flyers and above will receive complimentary access at booking, while Gold members will get it at check-in.
