Cabin design emphasizes wellbeing and efficiency, with collaboration from designer David Caon, The University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, and sleep scientists to tailor lighting and meal timing for jet lag reduction.

The Australia–UK and Australia–US routes are targeted to become the world’s longest commercial flights, potentially surpassing Singapore Airlines’ current record.

Qantas has moved the first A350-1000 ULR for Project Sunrise from its Hamburg site to Toulouse for final assembly, signaling progress toward nonstop Sydney–London and Sydney–New York flights.

Twelve ultra-long-range A350-1000s have been ordered to enable nonstop east coast Australia–London and New York services, with the first delivery targeted for late next year and commercial Sunrise services planned for the first half of 2027.

Currently, Qantas operates a Perth-to-London nonstop in about 18 hours, and Sunrise aims to extend non-stop coverage from Australia’s east coast to London and New York.

Planned flights could cut travel time by up to four hours and include design features to combat jet lag and boost wellbeing, such as a wellbeing zone, hydration stations, guided exercises, and sleep-supportive lighting.

Qantas’s year-end results show a 28% rise in net income to A$1.61 billion, driven by lower costs and strong travel demand while leadership rebuilds brand trust after COVID disruptions and executive turnover.

A new Economy Plus cabin will offer extra legroom, priority boarding, and overhead-bin access, with purchases starting from February and complimentary access for high-tier frequent flyers.

Qantas CEO says Sunrise takes a big step closer to reality, highlighting science-backed cabin and wellness design to minimize jet lag and maximize passenger wellbeing.

The projected 22-hour flights would replace current one-stop itineraries, cutting up to four hours and representing a major shift in Australia’s international travel options.

Analysts estimate Project Sunrise could generate more than A$400 million pre-tax annually through higher yields and enhanced product offerings.

The A350-1000ULR is configured for up to 22 hours of non-stop flight with a 20,000-liter extra fuel tank and upgraded systems, enabling potential four-hour savings on long routes.

Qantas is revamping the Sydney International Business Lounge with a 150-square-metre outdoor terrace to align with Sunrise wellness goals.

In Toulouse, engines and flight-test instruments will be installed and a test flight program planned for 2026 after fuselage, wings, tail, and gear are completed in Hamburg.

The aircraft will move into a hangar for engine and instrumentation work ahead of a 2026 flight test program.

The A350-1000ULR is currently in Toulouse, awaiting engine installation and test instrumentation after major airframe assembly in Germany.

The project name honors Qantas’s WWII Double Sunrise flights and reflects a broader aim to shrink distance barriers in ultra-long-haul travel.

The first of 12 aircraft is slated for delivery in late 2026, with the inaugural Sunrise services anticipated in early 2027.

The initial Sunrise aircraft is the lead of a 12-aircraft order, with delivery expected late next year and services planned to begin in the first half of 2027.

The cabin will seat about 238 passengers, fewer than typical A350-1000 layouts, and include a dedicated wellbeing zone with amenities like hydration stations and exercise guidance.

Qantas’s near-term financials show domestic revenue growth around 3% in the first half and international growth of 2–3%, with loyalty program momentum remaining strong.