A revolutionary aircraft, poised to redefine long-distance travel, has emerged from the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse, France. This isn't just another plane; it's the first A350-1000ULR – “ultra long-range” – built to conquer the skies in a way never before imagined.
The ambition driving this creation is “Project Sunrise,” Qantas’s audacious goal of offering nonstop flights between Sydney and iconic global destinations like London and New York. The aircraft is specifically engineered for these monumental journeys, boasting an enhanced fuel capacity and other critical modifications to cover the staggering 10,573-mile distance.
Before passengers experience this leap in aviation, the A350-1000ULR will undergo rigorous flight testing, scheduled to begin in early 2026. These tests are crucial to ensure the aircraft performs flawlessly on its intended ultra-long-haul routes, paving the way for delivery to Qantas later that same year.
Qantas has committed to a fleet of 12 of these groundbreaking aircraft, with the first nonstop flights anticipated in the first half of 2027. Imagine shaving up to four hours off journeys that currently require lengthy layovers – a dramatic shift in travel time and convenience.
Currently, a trip from Sydney to New York via Auckland stretches over 20 hours and 40 minutes, while reaching London through Perth consumes nearly 24 hours. Project Sunrise promises to dismantle these time constraints, offering a direct path across the globe.
The interior of the A350-1000ULR is designed with passenger well-being as a priority. The aircraft will accommodate 238 passengers, including a luxurious six first-class suites and 52 spacious business-class seats.
Beyond premium comfort, a dedicated “well-being zone” will be incorporated throughout the cabin. This innovative space allows all passengers to move, stretch, and combat the effects of extended time in the air during flights lasting up to 22 hours.
Qantas isn’t entering this territory blindly. In 2019, a Boeing 787-9 was utilized for a demonstration flight from New York to Sydney, carrying a limited number of passengers and crew. This pioneering journey, lasting 19 hours and 26 minutes, meticulously monitored the physiological and psychological impacts of ultra-long-haul flight.
Researchers even organized group exercises mid-flight to assess strategies for maintaining passenger health and comfort. The data gathered from this trial is invaluable in refining the passenger experience for Project Sunrise.
This isn’t simply about speed; it’s about fundamentally altering how people connect with the world. The arrival of the A350-1000ULR marks a pivotal moment in aviation history, bringing distant corners of the globe closer than ever before.
