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. While good progress has been made in recent times, we’ve just seen an additional four month delay to the delivery timeline for the first aircraft, which isn’t ideal. Let’s go over all the details of what we can expect with this addition to Qantas’ fleet.
In this post:
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 and increased maximum takeoff weight, allowing them to operate the world’s longest flights (note that Airbus isn’t officially using the “ULR” branding, unlike on Singapore Airlines A350-900ULRs, so in this case it’s just being used by Qantas as a marketing term)
- 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
Up until recently, the plan was for the first A350 to be delivered to Qantas in late 2026, with the first commercial flights expected in the first half of 2027. However, that has now been pushed back again — delivery of the first plane has just been delayed by around four months, to April 2027.
While Qantas isn’t providing an update about entry into service for the planes, I suspect the first Project Sunrise flight will now likely take off in the second half of 2027. Keep in mind Qantas needs three frames to launch one route, which is why there’s a lag before starting service (in addition to the need for training and preparations).
For what it’s worth, the biggest part of the delay on this project was 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.
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. AeroLOPA also has a seat map of the new cabins, which is interesting to look at.
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 April 2027, with long haul service expected to now likely start in the second half of 2027. 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?
I think this also goes nicely with currently high fuel price and imminent shortages. The whole project may very well be delayed to 2028 if we see a severe recession.
I think it's an insult that Qantas is not using a Boeing for this, and it serves them right that this has been delayed.
If Trump was in charge, this would be ready by second half of 2026 and United or AA will be flying a brand new Boeing to Sydney.
Why we approve for these foreign missiles to fly into our country doesn't make sense.
"I think it's an insult that Qantas is not using a Boeing for this, and it serves them right that this has been delayed."
Come on, you can't possibly be THAT dimwitted.
Airbus's offering is a few months past when they said it'd be ready. Boeing's alternative is 6 years late, and counting.
I'm excited for these -- I've flown the Singapore "longest scheduled route in the world" a couple of times and I look forward to graduating to an even longer route. Qantas could take a lesson from Singapore in not having any economy seating at all...
That said, the A350-1000 is probably my favorite current passenger aircraft (all-around)- I'm happy to see this is going forward!
Where is the idea that "Airbus doesn't use A350-1000ULR" coming from?
That nomenclature is all over their website. Seems like they use it, to me.
I will remain happy to fly QF through SIN to Europe as I love the crayfish Laksa in the F Lounge and just cannot imagine being enclosed in a metal tube beyond 14 - 15 hours but maybe I am just getting old ...........
"Incredible economics", as in totally not credible economics coming from the Manslaughterists of Toulouse. The same people who got suckered in to the A321XLR being the Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread are now doubling down on this turd. How typical.
Certifiable nut case comment ORD, your condition is definitely becoming …. ‘entertaining darlink’ …. I am certain that Ben appreciates your click.
What an interesting social experiment
Some of Ben’s fans complain about him not taking sufficient economy or premium economy review flights, perhaps he will satisfy their wishes on a Project Sunrise flight?
The av geek in me wants to fly this. It is unlikely I will. I doubt I'll ever fly between Europe and Austrslia. A flight from Home-JFK-SYD/MEL/BNE under Sunrise will require more air time (and, near certaintly total travel time) than any current Home-???-SYD/MEL/BNE route. And, QF expects to charge a premium on the Sunrise flights (20% was it?). But even if economic pressures causes routes through JFK to be competitive in price for me,...
The av geek in me wants to fly this. It is unlikely I will. I doubt I'll ever fly between Europe and Austrslia. A flight from Home-JFK-SYD/MEL/BNE under Sunrise will require more air time (and, near certaintly total travel time) than any current Home-???-SYD/MEL/BNE route. And, QF expects to charge a premium on the Sunrise flights (20% was it?). But even if economic pressures causes routes through JFK to be competitive in price for me, why would I spend the extra time traveling? This issue is the same for the majority of US residents. Why pay extra unless you avoid an additional leg (i.e., JFK is your final destination or starting point)?
I'm genuinely surprised they are installing Y seats on these aircraft. Surely they learned from Singapore Airlines' NYC flights? (Wouldn't they have tried to poach someone from SQ who understands the economics of these ULR flights when determining cabin layout?)
QF will charge through the roof for these flights in all classes and I cannot think of a single reason why a Y passenger would choose to pay extra over the dozens of one-stop options.
My guess is they don’t think they can fill an only premium plane at the right margins so they’ll sell economy cheap to take the incremental revenue and shift some capacity off other flights (and away from other 1 stop competitor). Or as Ben mentioned they want to still be able to use this plane on other routes where economy still makes sense like LAX
They missed the boat to install PY at 2-3-2 so it can compete better and could have also installed 2-4-2 Economy ala JAL sky wider for these ULR routes. That could encourage customers to pay premium and made the journey more comfortable for people in these cabin.
I wonder if these planes have enough range to make it to LHR while navigating through multiple airspace closures. Or will Qantas suffer the same fate as Air India with their flights to New York, having to add a stop every time someone decides to start a war.
Ben you spelt "wellness zone" wrong.
The correct spelling is "b-a-r"
Unless people from employer expense departments are reading. The wellness area will make a huge impact on my ability to overcome jetlag ;)
33” pitch in economy is not great for a flight of this length. Especially given JAL serves up better or the same on their “normal” flights.
Also, imagine you handover USD 15,000 for a one way trip in First and there’s a screaming baby in the suite next to you…oof!
…. :-) ….
PJOC, quite right under those circumstances I would find it difficult to choose between murder and suicide. However, being serious now. With noise cancelling ‘ear defenders’ as my wife calls them, one should be able to survive. Having said that, in my experience the problem has not occurred on any F flight I have taken.
Project Sunrise? Project Homicide more likely, especially among passengers stuck for 22 hours in economy.
The fact that this project is delayed is quite a disappointment to me. I wish to give this new F Cabin a squirt when it becomes available. Each F suite appears to be similar to the AF La Premiere offering. Will the overall experience match the excellent AF product?
Ben, I would like to make you an offer which you can very easily refuse …. :-)
If we can arrange to be on the same...
The fact that this project is delayed is quite a disappointment to me. I wish to give this new F Cabin a squirt when it becomes available. Each F suite appears to be similar to the AF La Premiere offering. Will the overall experience match the excellent AF product?
Ben, I would like to make you an offer which you can very easily refuse …. :-)
If we can arrange to be on the same flight, over your chosen leg, I will arrange for you to have access to my seat for review purposes. You could, if you choose, almost carry out two reviews of different seat class while taking the single flight.