TOULOUSE- Qantas (QF) has reached a major milestone in Project Sunrise, with its first Airbus A350-1000ULR now taking shape at the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse (TLS). The aircraft marks a step closer to nonstop flights linking Australia’s east coast with London (LHR) and New York (JFK).
The national carrier and Airbus have shared the first images of the ultra-long-range jet, showcasing the completion of key structural stages. This milestone brings Qantas closer to launching the world’s longest commercial routes, redefining how passengers travel between continents.
Qantas First A350-1000 Takes Shape
All major airframe components—including the forward, centre, and rear fuselage sections—have now been joined, with the wings, tail, and landing gear attached.
The aircraft will soon move to another hangar for engine installation and the addition of flight test equipment. A detailed flight test program will follow, beginning in 2026.
These A350-1000ULRs are designed for missions of up to 22 hours, connecting Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) directly to London and New York. The aircraft incorporates a 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank and advanced systems to support extended endurance.
By eliminating stopovers, Qantas aims to save passengers up to four hours compared to current one-stop itineraries.
Project Sunrise: A New Era for Qantas
Project Sunrise takes its name from Qantas’ legendary “Double Sunrise” missions during World War II, which stayed airborne long enough to witness two dawns. Today’s version is designed to redefine ultra-long-haul travel for the modern age.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the development marks a turning point for the airline. She noted that Project Sunrise continues Qantas’ legacy of overcoming distance barriers, describing it as a step that will “fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world.”
According to Hudson, the airline’s focus is on using scientific research to improve passenger wellbeing, reducing jetlag, and transforming how travellers experience flights lasting nearly a full day.
Designing for Comfort and Wellbeing
Qantas partnered with Australian designer David Caon and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to create cabins built specifically for ultra-long-haul comfort. Their collaboration focuses on light exposure, meal timing, and movement to reduce fatigue and support natural sleep cycles.
The cabin layout is notably spacious, with just 238 seats compared to the 300-plus typically found on similar A350-1000s.
Among its standout features is a dedicated Wellbeing Zone between Premium Economy and Economy, where passengers can stretch, hydrate, and follow guided exercises on built-in screens.
Delivery Timeline and Fleet Expansion
The first of Qantas’ 12 Airbus A350-1000ULRs is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. Commercial service is set to begin in the first half of 2027, initially on nonstop routes from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York.
These aircraft will form the core of Qantas’ next-generation long-haul fleet, opening direct connections that once seemed impossible.
Qantas Introduces Economy Plus
Qantas (QF) is introducing Economy Plus, a new cabin option across its domestic and short-haul international fleet. The upgrade adds more comfort and flexibility for passengers with extra legroom, priority boarding, and dedicated overhead bin space.
Set to launch in February 2026, Economy Plus will feature on Airbus A321XLR, A220, and Boeing 737 aircraft serving key routes across Australia, New Zealand (AKL), and the Pacific Islands.
Qantas Economy Plus gives passengers up to 40% more legroom, offering a noticeable boost in comfort on shorter flights. The new cabin will sit between standard Economy and Business Class, designed for travelers who want added comfort without upgrading to premium fares.
The product rollout coincides with Qantas’ fleet renewal program, which includes 48 next-generation Airbus A321XLRs and 29 A220s.
Two A321XLR aircraft have already entered service on domestic routes, with another expected before the end of the year. The airline will also begin reconfiguring its Boeing 737 fleet with Economy Plus seating from December 2025.
Benefits for Frequent Flyers
Recognizing loyalty as a key part of the travel experience, Qantas is extending special access to its top-tier members. Platinum members and above will receive complimentary Economy Plus access when booking, while Gold members will enjoy it at check-in.
Each week, more than 21,000 seats are selected by Qantas Frequent Flyers toward the front of the Economy cabin, reflecting the high demand for added comfort. The introduction of Economy Plus strengthens the value of these benefits, particularly for frequent corporate and leisure travelers.
Fleet Renewal and Customer Choice
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson described Economy Plus as an evolution of the airline’s Economy offering, aimed at expanding choice and comfort. She said the initiative enhances the experience in areas passengers value most — personal space, convenience, and recognition of loyalty.
Hudson emphasized that Qantas continues to invest in improving onboard comfort as part of its broader fleet modernization strategy. The airline’s upcoming A321XLR and A220 deliveries will include Economy Plus seating as standard, giving travelers more consistent product quality across the fleet.
Pricing for Economy Plus seats will be announced closer to the February 2026 launch.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
