The first Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range), designed for non-stop ‘Project Sunrise’ flights between Australia and London or New York, was glimpsed on November 7, 2025.
Qantas and Airbus allowed a sneak preview on their social media channels, showing the aircraft taking shape on the assembly line, as it reached a major production milestone at Airbus’s Toulouse, France facility.
Major structural components including the forward, center and rear fuselage sections have been joined, with wings, tail section and landing gear also attached.
The aircraft will now be moved to another hangar where engines and flight test instruments will be installed, before an extensive test flight program begins 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 specially configured A350-1000ULR aircraft will enable what Qantas describes as the world’s longest commercial flights, connecting Australia’s East Coast to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) without stops. Flights are expected to last up to 22 hours.
The extended range comes from an additional 20,000-liter rear center fuel tank and enhanced systems. Qantas claims that the direct services will reduce total travel time by up to four hours compared with current one-stop options.
The airline calls the initiative ‘Project Sunrise’, referencing historic endurance flights operated by Qantas during World War II that stayed airborne long enough for crews to see the sun rise twice.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson declared that the progress moves the project closer to launch.
“Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers. Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world,” Hudson said.
“These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing.”
Cabin design: focused on passenger comfort
The aircraft cabins were developed with input from aviation specialists, Australian industrial designer David Caon, and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Center.
Sleep scientists also contributed to features aimed at reducing jetlag, including customized lighting and timed meal service.
The cabin will seat 238 passengers, significantly fewer than the 300-plus seat configurations other airlines use on the A350-1000. According to Qantas, the reduced capacity allows for more personal space throughout the aircraft.
A notable feature on the aircraft is a dedicated ‘Wellbeing Zone’ located between Premium Economy and Economy. The space includes stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise programs, a hydration station and refreshments, designed specifically for passengers on ultra-long flights.
Timeline for service
Qantas has ordered 12 of the A350-1000ULR aircraft. The first is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with the first commercial Project Sunrise flights expected to begin during the first half of 2027.
For Qantas passengers, the non-stop option eliminates the layovers in Middle Eastern or Asian hubs as required by current Australia-London and Australia-New York routes.
Whether passengers prefer the time savings of a 22-hour direct flight over a longer journey with a break remains to be seen once service begins.
