The new Airbus A350 is due to start operating from 2027
Australia’s flag carrier Qantas has unveiled the first glimpses of its ultra-long-haul Airbus – the plane set to make aviation history by operating non-stop for 22 hours. The revolutionary aircraft will link Sydney directly with London and New York by 2027, establishing a new world record for the longest commercial flight ever flown.
Currently under construction in Toulouse, France, the aircraft’s key sections – including the fuselage, wings and landing gear – have already been assembled. Qantas presented the achievement at its annual general meeting in Brisbane, calling the next-generation plane a “game-changer” for international travel.
The A350-1000ULR will form the centrepiece of Qantas’s bold Project Sunrise programme, aimed at connecting Australia’s east coast with major global cities without stopovers. Each journey will take up to 22 hours – cutting as much as four hours off current one-stop routes.
The aircraft will shortly enter a specialist hangar for the fitting of its engines and flight systems, before commencing an extensive testing schedule in 2026. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson described the achievement as a pivotal moment for the airline’s international strategy.
She said: “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. 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.”
The aircraft’s record-breaking range is enabled by an additional 20,000-litre rear fuel tank and cutting-edge onboard systems, guaranteeing maximum endurance, comfort and safety, reports the Mirror. When Project Sunrise launches in 2027, it will make possible what once seemed impossible – non-stop flights halfway around the globe.
To tackle the physical demands of such extended journeys, Qantas has collaborated with Australian designer David Caon and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. Their team, which includes sleep scientists, has developed bespoke lighting patterns and meal timing strategies to help minimise jet lag.
Unlike the standard A350-1000 aircraft, which accommodates more than 300 passengers, Qantas’s version will carry just 238, offering travellers additional personal space and introducing a new “Wellbeing Zone” between Premium Economy and Economy. The area will include stretch handles, guided exercise screens, a hydration station and light refreshments to keep passengers feeling refreshed throughout the flight.
Project Sunrise, named after Qantas’s legendary “Double Sunrise” flights during World War II that stayed airborne long enough to witness two sunrises in a single journey, is set to push the limits of air travel with a new generation of aircraft.
In addition, the airline has announced the launch of a new domestic travel class, Economy Plus, which will offer extra legroom, priority boarding and dedicated overhead locker space. The upgrade will be available for purchase from February, with complimentary access for top-tier frequent flyers.
The first of 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft is expected to arrive in late 2026, setting the stage for commercial operations to begin in early 2027. Qantas expressed its teams are “incredibly excited” about the project, dubbing it a “landmark moment for international aviation.”
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