Qantas has revealed the first-ever images of the aircraft that will inaugurate its Project Sunrise direct route between Sydney and London, set to be the longest non-stop passenger flight in the world.
The two-sunrise journey will be operated from 2027 on a brand-new Airbus A350-1000ULRs (Ultra Long Range) craft. Boasting an additional 20,000 litre rear centre fuel tank that makes 22-hour flights possible, the aircraft is also being configured to give travellers extra legroom: its over-400-person maximum capacity will be reduced to just 238 – a layout that also allows “wellness zones” between economy and premium seats. Helping passengers manage the long-haul marathon, the wellness spaces feature stretch handles and on-screen exercise programmes, as well as water dispensers.
Our first @Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft is now on the final assembly line in Toulouse! 😍
— Qantas (@Qantas) November 6, 2025
This marks a significant step in #ProjectSunrise, which will conquer the final frontier of long-haul travel with non-stop flights between Australia's east coast and… pic.twitter.com/VqxtRMBzUm
Meanwhile, those lucky enough to travel first class will benefit from an armchair and a bed, as well as a 32” HD screen, sliding doors for privacy, a personal wardrobe, and storage space. They can also control their own mood lighting, heating, and humidity via a tablet.
The focus on comfort is something pressed home by Qantas Group chief executive Vanessa Hudson, who earlier in 2025 justified predicted fares of up to 20% higher than existing non-direct flights. Speaking to The Independent, the “premium experience” is something customers are “prepared to pay for.” She said: “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 longhaul.”
At a time when many airlines are concerned about the impact of not being able to use Russian airspace, Hudson also said Qantas pilots are using wind data and flight-planning simulations to calculate the fastest routes, which would be around the North Pole.
Also under the Project Sunrise banner, another new long-haul route is on the cards for Qantas: its 18-hour Sydney – New York service. The airline has not confirmed which will hit the skies first, with construction of the aircraft still taking place in Toulouse. There, the airline said: “All key airframe components, including the forward, centre and rear fuselage sections have come together, along with the wings, tail section and landing gear now attached.”
Qantas also confirmed that testing is set for next year. “This week the aircraft will be transferred to a new hangar where it will have engines and flight test instruments installed, in preparation for an extensive test flight programme, commencing in 2026,” it announced.
