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Qantas’ second Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR has entered the final assembly line in Toulouse as the first continues its testing.
In a post on LinkedIn, the Flying Kangaroo said fuselage sections and wings have now been joined on the aircraft, with the tail also installed this past week. It comes after the first of the new aircraft left the initial assembly line in November.
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“The first Project Sunrise aircraft is in the advanced stages of ground testing, preparing to take to the skies for its flight test programme in the coming months,” the airline said.
“These specially configured A350-1000ULRs will enable the world’s longest commercial flights, overcoming the tyranny of distance to connect Australia’s East Coast non-stop to London and New York.”
The first Qantas A350-1000ULR is slated for delivery in late 2026, ahead of the launch of non-stop flights from the east coast to London and New York in 2027.
“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,” said Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson in November.
“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.”
According to Qantas, the cabin has been designed “from the ground up” to ensure passenger comfort during the ultra-long-haul flights.
“The aircraft will fly for up to 22 hours non-stop, made possible by an additional 20,000 litre rear centre fuel tank and enhanced systems, with every element designed around passenger comfort and wellbeing for ultra-long-haul operations,” the airline said.
“Key to the cabin design has been giving passengers more space, with a 238-seat configuration versus the 300-plus seats layout used by other A350-1000 operators.
“This includes a purpose-built Wellbeing Zone located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins featuring integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise programs, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.”
The A350-1000ULR forms part of Qantas’ massive fleet renewal program, which is seeing the carrier transition from a mostly-Boeing airline to largely Airbus. Its first services will likely be to New Zealand for training purposes, with Qantas not yet revealing whether London or New York will see the initial ultra-long-haul non-stop flights.
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says:It would not surprise me if on the day of the first ULH flight ex SYD there will be in fact 2 flights, SYD LHR and SYD JFK, now that would be something!
By the way, what is the ECY seat pitch on these svcs?