Qantas Reveals Sydney-London Launch Date As First A350-1000ULR Rolls Out

Qantas’ ambitious Project Sunrise programme has taken a major step forward with the public rollout of its first Airbus A350-1000ULR in full airline colours at Toulouse, France.

At the same event, the Australian flag carrier confirmed the launch schedule for what will become some of the world’s longest commercial flights, with non-stop services from Sydney to London due to begin in October 2027, followed shortly afterwards by flights between Sydney and New York. The announcement marks the most significant milestone yet in a project that has been more than a decade in the making.

The First Project Sunrise Aircraft Emerges

The aircraft rolled out in Qantas colours at Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse this week, giving aviation enthusiasts their first look at the specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR that will make Project Sunrise possible.

Registered VH-OJA, the aircraft represents the first Airbus A350 ever built for Qantas and will become one of 12 ultra-long-range examples ordered by the airline specifically for Project Sunrise operations. Enthusiasts have already been sharing images of the aircraft’s rollout online, where its striking appearance and significance as a future record-breaker have generated considerable excitement.

The rollout follows the recent first flight of the A350-1000ULR test aircraft, which began a dedicated certification campaign earlier this month. Airbus says the aircraft is undergoing approximately two months of testing before the variant receives certification.

Sydney To London First

While Project Sunrise has long centred on both London and New York, Qantas has now confirmed that London will be the first destination to receive the new service.

Non-stop flights between Sydney and London are scheduled to begin in October 2027, ending the need for a stopover on one of the world’s most famous long-haul routes. Ticket sales are expected to begin earlier that year.

The route will become the world’s longest scheduled passenger flight, covering almost 10,000 nautical miles and taking approximately 20 to 22 hours depending on winds and operating conditions.

For travellers, the flights are expected to cut several hours from current journey times.

New York To Follow

Qantas also confirmed that Sydney-New York services will follow after the London launch.

The airline’s fleet of 12 A350-1000ULRs will be divided between the London and New York routes, although exact frequencies have yet to be announced. Future destinations remain possible, with Perth-London and Auckland-New York among routes previously discussed as potential candidates for the aircraft.

The decision to launch from Sydney reflects the city’s larger premium travel market and stronger demand for ultra-long-haul services.

A Specially Designed A350

Although based on the standard Airbus A350-1000, the Project Sunrise aircraft features significant modifications to maximise range.

The A350-1000ULR incorporates an additional fuel tank and other enhancements that increase range by around 1,000 nautical miles compared with the standard version. This allows the aircraft to remain airborne for up to 22 hours and operate sectors previously considered impossible for commercial airlines.

Qantas’ aircraft will carry just 238 passengers in a four-class layout, substantially fewer than the 350-plus seats typically found on many A350-1000s. The lower passenger count helps balance weight requirements while also allowing the airline to offer larger premium cabins and dedicated wellbeing spaces designed for such lengthy journeys.

The Final Frontier Of Long-Haul Flying

Project Sunrise was first launched in 2017 when Qantas challenged aircraft manufacturers to create an aircraft capable of linking Australia’s east coast directly with Europe and North America.

After evaluating proposals from both Airbus and Boeing, the airline selected the Airbus A350-1000 and formally ordered 12 aircraft in 2022. The programme subsequently faced delays caused by the pandemic, certification requirements and wider aerospace supply-chain challenges.

Now, with the first aircraft painted, testing underway and launch dates confirmed, Project Sunrise is finally moving from concept to reality.

For enthusiasts, the sight of VH-OJA emerging from the paint shop this week provided a glimpse of what could become one of the most significant airliners of the decade. By late 2027, that same aircraft could be carrying passengers non-stop between Sydney and London on a route once considered beyond the reach of commercial aviation.