SYDNEY - Qantas has moved to head off growing speculation that it might abandon its Project Sunrise to fly non-stop routes between the east coast of Australia (Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) to London and New York.
Qantas currently operates Perth-London non-stop.
Announcing “several important developments for Project Sunrise” Qantas said it would make a final go/no go decision in March 2020.
Ahead of that decision, and after what it called “detailed evaluation of the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350”, Qantas has selected the A350-1000 as the preferred aircraft if Sunrise proceeds.
“This aircraft uses the Rolls Royce Trent XWB engine, which has a strong reliability record after being in service with airlines for more than two years,” Qantas said.
“Airbus will add an additional fuel tank and slightly increase the maximum take-off weight to deliver the performance required for Sunrise routes.”
Qantas said no orders have been placed but the airline would work closely with Airbus to prepare contract terms for up to 12 aircraft ahead of a final decision by the Qantas Board.
Design of the customer experience for flights up to 21 hours includes new cabins across first class, business, premium economy and economy, with a dedicated stretching space for economy passengers as well as potential for re-designing onboard service to shift passengers to their destination timezone.
Qantas must also negotiate a deal with its long-haul pilots before going ahead with Project Sunrise.