Exclusive Look at Qantas and Airbus’s A350-1000ULR for Project Sunrise
The first Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) was spotted on November 7, 2025, as it heads towards launching non-stop ‘Project Sunrise’ flights connecting Australia with London or New York.
Social media channels from Qantas and Airbus provided a glimpse of the aircraft being assembled at Airbus’s facility in Toulouse, France, marking a significant production milestone.
Key structural components, such as the forward, center, and rear fuselage sections, have been successfully joined, along with the wings, tail section, and landing gear.
The aircraft will soon move to a different hangar for the installation of engines and flight test equipment, with a comprehensive test flight program set to commence in 2026.
Our first @Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft is now on the final assembly line in Toulouse! 😍
This marks a significant step in #ProjectSunrise, which will conquer the final frontier of long-haul travel with non-stop flights between Australia’s east coast and… pic.twitter.com/VqxtRMBzUm
— Qantas (@Qantas) November 6, 2025
Ultra-Long Range Capability
The uniquely configured A350-1000ULR aircraft is set to facilitate what Qantas describes as the longest commercial flights globally, directly connecting Australia’s East Coast to London Heathrow (LHR) and New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) airports without any stops. These flights could last up to 22 hours.
This extended range is enabled by an additional 20,000-liter rear center fuel tank and enhanced systems. Qantas asserts that these direct services will trim total travel time by as much as four hours compared to existing one-stop routes.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Project Sunrise,’ is a nod to the historic endurance flights Qantas operated during World War II, which allowed crews to see the sun rise two times during their journey.
Vanessa Hudson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, expressed excitement about the project’s progress, moving closer to the launch.
“With Australia’s unique global position, Qantas has a proud history of breaking aviation barriers. Project Sunrise aims to tackle the challenges posed by distance and fundamentally reshape how our customers explore the world,” Hudson stated.
“These flights will reduce journey times by up to four hours and transform the ultra long-haul travel experience, using science-based design elements to minimize jetlag and enhance passenger wellbeing.”
Cabin Design: Focused on Passenger Comfort
Cabin development involved collaboration with aviation specialists, Australian industrial designer David Caon, and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Center.
Sleep scientists contributed insights to design features intended to alleviate jetlag, such as customized lighting and strategically timed meal services.
The cabin will accommodate 238 passengers, which is significantly fewer than the 300-plus configurations favored by other airlines using the A350-1000. Qantas believes that this reduced capacity will provide a more spacious experience for travelers.
A standout feature of the aircraft is the dedicated ‘Wellbeing Zone’ situated between Premium Economy and Economy classes. This area includes stretch handles, guided exercise programs on-screen, hydration stations, and refreshments, specially designed for those on ultra-long flights.
Timeline for Service
Qantas has placed an order for 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for late 2026. The inaugural commercial flights for Project Sunrise are anticipated to commence during the first half of 2027.
The introduction of non-stop flights will eliminate the need for layovers in Middle Eastern or Asian hubs for current routes connecting Australia with London and New York.
It will be interesting to see whether travelers favor the timesaving of a 22-hour direct flight or opt for longer journeys with breaks once these services are launched. What are your thoughts on the future of ultra long-haul travel?
