Qantas Airbus A350-1000 & Project Sunrise: 2027 Launch (Delay)

Qantas has a couple of dozen Airbus A350s on order, which will be used to operate the world’s longest nonstop flights, like Sydney to New York. There’s a lot to be excited about with these aircraft, but we’ll have to be patient.

These planes were first supposed to enter service in 2025. Then in early 2024, it was announced that these flights were pushed back to 2026. Now in early 2025, we’re being told that the first A350-1000 delivery should happen in late 2026, with Project Sunrise flights launching in 2027. Let’s go over all the details of what we can expect with this addition to Qantas’ fleet.

Qantas has 24 Airbus A350-1000s on order

Qantas has a total of 24 Airbus A350-1000s on order:

• Qantas ordered 12 of these jets in mid-2022
• Qantas ordered an additional 12 of these jets in mid-2023

We can now expect the first A350 to be delivered to Qantas in late 2026, though I imagine that timeline has the potential to slip even further. Initially Airbus had a delay with this jet due to getting the additional fuel tanks certified with European regulators. That hurdle has now been overcome, and the additional delay seems to come down to the classic “supply chain issues” excuse.

The A350-1000 is the largest variant of the A350 family, and the plane has incredible economics and range. Qantas will be taking those capabilities to the next level.

The airline is taking advantage of all the incremental improvements that have been made to this aircraft over the years, including a higher maximum takeoff weight, which also allows the aircraft to carry more fuel. Qantas’ A350s will also feature additional fuel tanks, to take advantage of that higher takeoff weight. Furthermore, thanks to Qantas’ premium heavy configuration, the airline will be keeping the weight of the plane down, further maximizing range.

Qantas will use A350s for Project Sunrise flights

For years, Qantas has been working on what it calls “Project Sunrise,” which is the goal of operating nonstop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London. These flights will all be 10,000+ miles, could take 20+ hours, and will be the world’s longest flights. They’ll represent a huge reduction in travel time for these markets, and will likely be popular, especially with premium travelers.

Qantas initially just ordered 12 A350s, which would have covered the carrier’s needs for these flights. However, Qantas eventually doubled its order, so you can expect A350s to also be used for other premium, ultra long haul flights.

So don’t be surprised to see Qantas fly A350s in some other existing markets (like Sydney to Los Angeles, especially when A380s eventually retire), as well as to some possible new markets that wouldn’t otherwise be possible (like Sydney to Paris).

Qantas Airbus A350-1000 passenger experience

Qantas’ A350-1000s will be specially configured for long haul flying, and will be in a very spacious configuration:

• Qantas’ A350-1000s will carry just 238 passengers, which is way fewer seats than you’ll find on most carriers’ A350s
• The planes will feature four classes of service, including six first class seats, 52 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats
• Economy will feature 33″ of pitch, which is generous, and much more spacious than what you’d typically find in economy (where 31″ is the standard for long haul flights)
• Qantas will be introducing a new first class suite and business class seat with a door on A350-1000s
• Qantas A350-1000s will feature a dedicated wellness zone
• Qantas A350-1000s will feature fast and free Wi-Fi, in partnership with Viasat

I’ve talked more about the cabin interiors in a separate post, because there’s lots to cover.

Among existing A350-1000 operators, Japan Airlines’ version of this jet is probably the closest comparison. It has 239 seats (one additional seat), and it has incredible first class suites, and it has the same business class hard product. Flying on this jet should be a treat.

Bottom line

Qantas has a total of 24 Airbus A350-1000s on order. The first jet is now expected to be delivered in late 2026, with service expected to start at some point in 2027. This is an exciting new aircraft for Qantas, as it will be used for Project Sunrise flights, directly connecting Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London.

Qantas’ A350s will be in a super premium configuration, with just 238 seats. You can expect new products across all cabins, a wellness zone, and even fast and free Wi-Fi. I’m excited to see these planes in service, though unfortunately we’ll have to continue to be patient…

What do you make of Qantas’ Airbus A350 & Project Sunrise plans?