Qantas and Airbus have revealed what the airline is calling “the final frontier of long-haul travel”.
First images have been released from the Airbus factory in Toulouse of the (Ultra Long Range) aircraft, which will operate the airline’s historic non-stop flights between Australia and London and New York.
The specially configured A350-1000ULRs will enable the world’s longest commercial flights, connecting Australia’s east coast non-stop to London and New York for the first time.
The aircraft will fly for up to 22 hours non-stop, made possible by an additional 20,000 litre fuel tank and enhanced systems.
The direct services – nicknamed Project Sunrise - will cut up to four hours off total travel time, compared with one-stop services today.
Qantas Group chief executive Vanessa Hudson said, “These flights will transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing”.
The cabins have been developed from the ground up in collaboration with aviation specialists. This includes sleep scientists working to combat jetlag through features like unique, customised lighting design and timed meal service.
Key to the cabin design has been giving passengers more space, with a 238-seat configuration versus the 300-plus seats layout used by other A350-1000 operators.
This includes a purpose-built Wellbeing Zone located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins featuring integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise programmes, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.
The first of 12 new aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with the first commercial Project Sunrise services commencing in the first half of 2027.