Qantas' Project Sunrise is progressing, with regulatory approval now secured for the fuel tanks on its specially adapted A350-1000 aircraft. Speaking at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Dubai, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson announced that the ultra-long-haul flights from Australia's east coast to London and New York are on schedule to begin in approximately two years. These flights will be the longest in the world.
By J Prakash
Since 2022, Qantas has ordered 12 of these specially configured A350s, which will feature additional fuel tanks to enable the 22-hour journey. The aircraft will have a seating capacity of 238, including six first-class seats, 52 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the design of the rear center fuel tank, allowing the aircraft to proceed to the production stage. Hudson expressed optimism about the delivery schedule, stating, “We’re working very closely with Airbus, and the first aircraft is due to arrive from mid-2026. It’s passed all the certifications now, so we’re feeling very optimistic about the delivery timetable. This is going to be a fundamental part of our network structure.”
Originally planned for a launch next year, Project Sunrise was postponed to 2026 due to "manufacturing issues" at Airbus. Qantas is expected to be the exclusive operator of these ultra-long-haul services. Former CEO Alan Joyce emphasized that Australia’s geographical position justifies the investment in a fleet of such aircraft. The launch is anticipated to be a milestone in Qantas' history.
Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, highlighted the success of routes such as Perth–London, Perth–Rome, and Melbourne–Dallas, stating that Qantas aims to be recognized as the leader in non-stop ultra-long-haul flights. He indicated that the initial routes for Project Sunrise would likely be Sydney–London or Sydney–New York, aligning with the airline’s network and revenue strategies.
Qantas is also undergoing a significant fleet renewal, affecting both domestic and international operations. Internationally, the airline will acquire 12 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 12 traditional Airbus A350s to replace most of its aging A330 fleet, separate from the Project Sunrise order.
Domestically, Qantas plans to purchase 28 Airbus A321XLRs and 29 A220-300s, with the option for additional aircraft. Jetstar, Qantas’ subsidiary, has started integrating its new fleet of 38 A320neos, which includes 18 long-range A321LRs and 20 A321XLRs, the latter being a variant with extended range.
Hudson described this fleet renewal as the largest in Qantas' history, emphasizing that the new aircraft will facilitate new routes and cabin experiences, benefiting both customers and staff. She noted that growth through this renewal will drive efficiency and sustainable profit growth.
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