According to multiple reports, the first Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR has been rolled out, fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. The rollout marks the completion of the final assembly phase. The aircraft will begin a two-month flight testing programme in the coming weeks, according to major media sources. The first aircraft is in Toulouse, France, with engines installed, awaiting final ground testing. The aircraft has an additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank, as reported by multiple sources. This modification is necessary for the ultra-long-range flights, which will cover distances of up to 22 hours. The Project Sunrise flights will connect Australia's east coast non-stop to London and New York, cutting up to four hours off total travel time compared with one-stop services, according to major media. The world's longest commercial flight currently is 18 hours 30 minutes (Newark to Singapore), so these flights will set a new record.
The second Qantas Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR entered production in February and is on the final assembly line, major media reported. The Project Sunrise fleet will be named after stars, a theme suggested by Qantas pilots and chosen by employees. Each of the 12 A350-1000ULRs will carry star names. The service is named for the phenomenon where passengers on the London route see two sunrises during their flight. During WWII, Qantas' Catalina flying boats operated 'Double Sunrise' flights, each named after a navigational star, providing historical inspiration.
The flights will cut up to four hours off total travel time compared with one-stop services, according to major media. Qantas sees strong demand for point-to-point travel, and the airline’s non-stop Perth to London, Paris and Rome flights are very popular, major media reported. The historic flights are set to begin in 2027, according to major media. However, there is a contradiction: some reports claim the service launches next year (2025). This two-year discrepancy affects passenger planning and expectations, and the exact launch date remains unconfirmed.
The aircraft will be Qantas' most premium-dense with over 40% of seats in premium cabins, according to major media. The aircraft has 238 seats total: 6 first class, 52 business, 40 premium economy, 140 economy. First class passengers have reclining armchairs and a separate bed. There is a 'wellbeing zone' accessible to premium economy and economy passengers, though specific amenities are not yet detailed.
The cabin interior is guided by research from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, major media reported. Passengers will enjoy complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. The inaugural test flight will attempt a non-stop journey in the shortest time possible, according to major media. The exact date or month of the first test flight has not been announced, nor whether it will be from London to Sydney or another route. Ticket prices for these ultra-long-haul flights remain unknown, as do specific modifications needed for ULR certification beyond the fuel tank.
During WWII, Qantas' Catalina flying boats operated 'Double Sunrise' flights, each named after a navigational star, providing historical inspiration for the naming theme. The Project Sunrise fleet will be named after stars, a theme suggested by Qantas pilots and chosen by employees. Each of the 12 A350-1000ULRs will carry star names.