Qantas Project Sunrise: How the A350-1000ULR Will Break the 22-Hour Flight Record
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Qantas is preparing for the world's longest commercial flight with the Airbus A350-1000ULR, which begins flight tests in 2026 for Project Sunrise non-stop routes.
Key Takeaways
- •Airbus A350-1000ULR begins flight testing in 2026 for Qantas's Project Sunrise.
- •The aircraft is engineered for a 22-hour flight endurance, enabling non-stop Sydney-London/New York routes.
- •Modifications include a 20,000-liter auxiliary fuel tank and a low-density, 238-passenger cabin with a dedicated Wellbeing Zone.
- •The direct service cuts up to four hours off total travel time, redefining ultra-long-haul travel.
The global aviation industry is anticipating a major shift in long-haul travel. Airbus is developing a special version of its A350-1000 widebody jet. This new Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) variant is for Qantas Project Sunrise.
This project aims to launch the world's longest commercial flight.
Project Sunrise: Overcoming the Tyranny of Distance
Qantas plans to connect Australia’s east coast directly with Europe and the US East Coast. This includes the challenging non-stop Sydney to London route. The goal is to eliminate the current one-stop layovers, saving passengers up to four hours of travel time. The A350-1000ULR is designed for a maximum 22-hour flight endurance. This duration will set a new aviation record breaking benchmark for commercial service.
Qantas has ordered 12 of these specially configured aircraft. The first delivery is scheduled for late 2026, with commercial service starting in the first half of 2027.
A350-1000 Modifications for Ultra Long Range
The standard A350-1000 airframe has undergone significant A350-1000 modifications for this mission. The key change is the addition of a 20,000-liter rear center fuel tank. This extra capacity is essential for the extreme range required to fly non-stop Sydney to London and Australia to New York direct.
Engineers also focused on weight reduction and aerodynamic refinements. The A350 family already uses a high proportion of carbon-fiber composites. These changes help the aircraft achieve its ultra long range capability. The flight test program for the first aircraft is scheduled to begin in 2026 at the Airbus facility in Toulouse.
Passenger and Crew Wellbeing
The challenge of a 22-hour flight endurance is not just technical; it is also human. Qantas is addressing this with a unique cabin layout. The ULR version will carry only 238 passengers, far fewer than the standard 300-400 seats. This lower-density, premium-heavy configuration helps manage the payload pressure on extreme sectors.
Key cabin features include:
- A dedicated passenger wellbeing zone for stretching and light exercise.
- Specialized lighting to help combat the effects of jet lag.
- Expanded crew rest areas to support the extended mission time.
This focus on comfort is critical for making ultra-long-haul travel appealing to customers.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
Project Sunrise marks a new era for Qantas and the aviation world. It fundamentally changes travel between Australia and the rest of the world. The success of the Airbus A350-1000ULR will likely spur other airlines to pursue similar ultra long range routes. This could redefine global connectivity and competition. The elimination of a stopover provides a significant competitive advantage in premium markets.
The primary risk remains operational viability. Successfully running a scheduled service over such distances requires high reliability and careful planning. This includes managing strong headwinds and maintaining ample fuel reserves. The launch of these services is expected to transform the famous "Kangaroo Route".
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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