Nine years late, but we're finally getting there! Announced nearly nine years ago, the " Project Sunrise Qantas's plans to connect Australia non-stop to New York and London have indeed faced numerous setbacks. Initially considered at the beginning of the decade, then scheduled for the first half of 2027, Qantas has now confirmed its launch for October 2027.
This iconic project by the Australian airline will mark a new stage in the evolution of long-haul air travel. Thanks to this direct service, travellers will be able to connect Australia to the United Kingdom in just 19 hours, up to four hours less than current routes requiring a stopover.
" Qantas was founded on the belief that Australia's remoteness should never be a barrier to global engagement. », said Vanessa Hudson, the company's CEO. According to her, this new route represents « the most important step in Qantas's history since its creation 105 years ago ".
To operate this exceptional route, the airline will use the new Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range), specially designed for ultra-long-haul flights. The aircraft is equipped with an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank, enabling it to perform commercial flights of up to 22 hours non-stop.
A cabin suited for ultra-long-haul
Qantas has ordered twelve of these aircraft. They will be configured with only 238 seats spread across four travel classes to offer more space and comfort for passengers. The airline is also highlighting an interior design developed from scientific studies aimed at reducing the effects of jet lag and improving well-being on board for very long-haul flights.
Thus, the six First Class suites will feature a separate armchair from the bed, a personal wardrobe, and one of the most generous private spaces on the market. In Business Class, passengers will benefit from suites with direct aisle access, a fully flat bed-seat, and a sliding door for greater privacy.
The aircraft will also feature a new Premium Economy cabin offering more legroom and increased recline. Even the Economy class has been enhanced. It will be equipped with wider seats than the average in Qantas' current fleet. All travellers will have access to high-speed Wi-Fi and a next-generation entertainment system.
One of the most notable innovations will be the “Wellbeing Zone”, a space dedicated to well-being located between the cabins. Passengers will be able to stretch, hydrate, and follow light exercise programmes designed with specialists in sleep and aviation medicine.
Qantas is already preparing its crews for this new generation of operations. Pilots have begun their A350 simulator training in Sydney and also in the UK, in partnership with British Airways. In total, over 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew members will be trained when the twelve aircraft join the fleet.
After London, Qantas plans to expand its ultra-long-haul flight network with a second non-stop service between Sydney and New York, which is expected to be announced in 2027. Paris is not currently on the agenda.
