Airbus to Redesign A350 Fuel Tank, Delays Qantas’ Sydney-London Project Sunrise Flights

Airbus has encountered a setback with the introduction of an ultra-long-range variant of its A350-1000 jet, aimed at facilitating non-stop flights for Qantas Airways from Sydney to London. The delay stems from regulatory demands for a redesign of an additional fuel tank, essential for the airline’s ambitious “Project Sunrise.” Christian Scherer, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer, revealed this development at the Singapore Airshow, indicating a postponement in the delivery of the first A350-1000 planes capable of executing these ultra-long-range flights.

Qantas has confirmed that the anticipated delivery of these aircraft has been deferred by approximately six months, now expected in mid-2026. This adjustment is attributed to the need for redesigning the central fuel tank to meet the specific requirements of the “Sunrise mission.” Scherer explained that this redesign is crucial for enabling the aircraft to cover the immense distance between Sydney and London without stopping.

Vanessa Hudson, Qantas CEO, attributed the delay to the extended certification process for the first aircraft but remained optimistic about the quick succession in which the remaining 11 planes would be delivered. Despite the postponement, Hudson emphasized the continued strong demand for non-stop flights, as evidenced by the success of Qantas’ existing Perth-London route and the newly introduced Perth-Paris service. She assured that the six-month delay does not compromise the project’s viability or its business case.

This is not the first instance of Airbus facing regulatory challenges over fuel tank designs. The company previously encountered delays with its A321XLR program due to concerns that a novel fuel tank design could increase fire risks. These issues have been addressed, showcasing Airbus’ commitment to safety and compliance with aviation standards.

The delay in Project Sunrise highlights the intricate balance between innovation in aviation and the rigorous standards set by regulatory bodies to ensure safety and reliability in air travel.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com, reuters.com