Qantas Airbus A350-1000s On Track For 2027 Project Sunrise Launch

Qantas has a couple of dozen Airbus A350s on order, some of which will be used to operate the world’s longest nonstop flights. This includes flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London.

There’s a lot to be excited about with these aircraft, though it has taken some patience. While the planes were initially supposed to enter service in 2025, they’re now expected to debut in 2027. Fortunately there is some good progress being made, as the first new plane is taking shape. Let’s go over all the details of what we can expect with this addition to Qantas’ fleet.

Qantas has 24 Airbus A350-1000s on order

Qantas has a total of 24 Airbus A350-1000s on order:

• Qantas ordered 12 of these jets in mid-2022; these were the A350-1000ULR variants, which have an extra fuel tank, allowing them to operate the world’s longest flights
• Qantas ordered an additional 12 of these jets in mid-2023; these will be “standard” A350-1000s, so they’ll be long range, but not ultra long range, and will have a different configuration

We can expect the first A350 to be delivered to Qantas in late 2026, with the first commercial flights expected in the first half of 2027. For what it’s worth, the delay of well over a year on this project was largely due to getting the additional fuel tanks certified with European regulators, and that’s in addition to the standard “supply chain” delays. I suppose that delay is nothing compared to what the Boeing 777X is dealing with.

The A350-1000 is the largest variant of the A350 family, and the plane has incredible economics and range. Qantas will be taking those capabilities to the next level. The airline is taking advantage of all the incremental improvements that have been made to this aircraft over the years, including a higher maximum takeoff weight, which also allows the aircraft to carry more fuel.

As mentioned above, Qantas’ first dozen A350s will also feature additional fuel tanks, to take advantage of that higher takeoff weight. Furthermore, thanks to Qantas’ premium heavy configuration, the airline will be keeping the weight of the plane down, further maximizing range.

What’s exciting is that Qantas’ first A350-1000ULR is now on the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse (TLS), following the completion of a major production milestone. All major airframe components, including the forward, center, and rear fuselage sections, have come together, along with the wings, tail section, and landing gear.

The plane will now be transfered to a new hangar, where it will have engines and flight test instruments installed, in preparation for extensive flight testing, which commences in 2026.

Qantas will use A350s for Project Sunrise flights

For years, Qantas has been working on what it calls “Project Sunrise,” which is the goal of operating nonstop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London. These flights will all be 10,000+ miles, could take 20+ hours, and will be the world’s longest flights. They’ll represent a huge reduction in travel time for these markets, and will likely be popular, especially with premium travelers.

Qantas initially just ordered 12 A350s, which would have covered the carrier’s needs for these flights. However, Qantas eventually doubled its order, so you can expect A350s to also be used for other premium, long haul flights. However, that second batch of A350s won’t have the extra fuel tanks, and are expected to be in a different configuration.

So don’t be surprised to see Qantas eventually fly A350s in some other existing markets (like Sydney to Los Angeles, especially when A380s eventually retire), as well as to some possible new markets.

Qantas Airbus A350-1000 passenger experience

Qantas’ A350-1000ULRs will be specially configured for long haul flying, and will be in a very spacious configuration:

• Qantas’ A350-1000ULRs will carry just 238 passengers, which is way fewer seats than you’ll find on most carriers’ A350s
• The planes will feature four classes of service, including six first class seats, 52 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats
• Economy will feature 33″ of pitch, which is generous, and much more spacious than what you’d typically find in economy (where 31″ is the standard for long haul flights)
• Qantas will be introducing a new first class suite and business class seat with a door on A350-1000s
• Qantas A350-1000ULRs will feature a dedicated wellness zone
• All Qantas A350-1000s will feature fast and free Wi-Fi, in partnership with Viasat

I’ve talked more about the cabin interiors in a separate post, because there’s lots to cover.

Among existing A350-1000 operators, Japan Airlines’ version of this jet is probably the closest comparison. It has 239 seats (one additional seat), and it has incredible first class suites, and it has the same business class hard product. Flying on this jet should be a treat.

Bottom line

Qantas has a total of 24 Airbus A350-1000s on order. The first jet is expected to be delivered in late 2026, with service expected to start in the first half of 2027. The first aircraft is now being assembled, so hopefully there aren’t additional significant delays. This is an exciting new aircraft for Qantas, as it will be used for Project Sunrise flights, directly connecting Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London.

The first 12 planes will be the A350-1000ULRs, with an extra fuel tank, and a super premium configuration, with just 238 seats. You can expect new products across all cabins, a wellness zone, and even fast and free Wi-Fi.

What do you make of Qantas’ Airbus A350 & Project Sunrise plans?