Qantas Delays Project Sunrise Launches A350 to Auckland

For years, Qantas has been promising non-stop flights from Sydney to London as part of its ambitious Project Sunrise initiative. With 12 ultra-long-haul Airbus A350-1000s on order, the airline initially planned to launch these groundbreaking services in 2025, connecting Sydney with both London and New York on nonstop flights lasting more than 20 hours. However, delays in both the construction of the aircraft and the development of the bespoke interiors needed for these extended flights have pushed back the service commencement date. Originally rescheduled for 2026, Qantas now expects to receive its first A350-1000 in late 2026, with the launch of Project Sunrise further delayed until early 2027.

The reason for this additional postponement is straightforward. Operating daily nonstop flights that take between 18 and 22 hours to a given destination requires a minimum of three aircraft to maintain the schedule. Qantas is not expecting to receive its third A350 until the spring of 2027, which makes the daily long-haul service impossible until that time. In the interim, Qantas has revealed that the first confirmed destination for its new A350-1000 will not be one of the ultra-long-haul routes as many passengers have long anticipated. Instead, the inaugural flight will operate on a short-haul route between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand—a flight that takes roughly three hours.

Although this decision might seem puzzling to those who have eagerly awaited direct London service for years, it is a common strategy in commercial aviation. Airlines often deploy new aircraft on shorter routes initially. This allows pilots, cabin crew, and ground personnel to become familiar with the new type in real operating conditions before transitioning to longer routes. Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson confirmed at a recent Airbus briefing in Hamburg that these trans-Tasman flights are intended to serve as a training period for crews on the new jets. Once the second and third aircraft arrive, Qantas will be well positioned to launch the full Project Sunrise schedule to London and other destinations.

The new A350-1000s promise to set a new standard in ultra-long-haul travel, with cabin designs expected to redefine the passenger experience, even for those traveling in economy class. Each aircraft will accommodate just 238 passengers—a significant reduction compared to other A350 variants, such as those operated by competitors like French Bee, which carry up to 480 passengers in a high-density configuration. Qantas’ version will feature four distinct classes of service, including six luxurious first-class suites, 52 lie-flat business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats. Notably, the economy cabins will offer 33 inches of pitch, well above the typical 30 to 32 inches found on other airlines. Additionally, the new jets will provide high-speed internet connectivity at every seat and a dedicated onboard wellness zone, a unique feature aimed at helping passengers stretch and relax on these record-breaking flights.

With the optional installation of additional fuel tanks, the A350-1000 will be capable of operating flights over distances far exceeding those of standard models. While passengers eagerly await the launch of non-stop flights to London, those interested in experiencing the latest in Qantas’ fleet will initially have the opportunity to fly a short hop to Auckland. This approach not only helps the airline train its crews on the new aircraft but also paves the way for the eventual rollout of the revolutionary long-haul services that have been the subject of much anticipation for years.

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