Qantas unveils aircraft for world’s longest non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York
Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, has revealed the first images of its specially designed Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft that will soon make history by operating the world’s longest commercial flights connecting Sydney directly to London and New York.The aircraft, currently on the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse, France, has now taken shape with its fuselage, wings, tail section, and landing gear all attached.
Qantas said it will soon move to another hangar where engineers will install the engines and test instruments ahead of flight-testing next year.The new A350-1000 Ultra Long-Range jets are part of Qantas’ ambitious “Project Sunrise”, which aims to connect Australia’s east coast with key global cities via non-stop flights starting in 2027.
These 22-hour journeys will save travellers up to four hours compared to existing one-stop services. The aircraft features an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank and advanced systems, allowing it to fly farther than any other commercial airliner in the world. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson said the aircraft represents a breakthrough in aviation. “This is an aircraft that will change what’s possible when it comes to international point-to-point air travel,” she said.
“Our teams are incredibly excited for the arrival of the first aircraft late next year, a landmark moment for international aviation.” The airline has ordered 12 Airbus A350-1000ULRs for Project Sunrise. Test flights are expected to begin in 2026, with commercial services taking off in the first half of 2027. Qantas has already operated direct Perth–London flights using Boeing Dreamliners since 2018, but the new Sydney–London and Sydney–New York routes will stretch flight times and comfort to new levels. The airline has also teased an upgraded onboard experience, with a focus on comfort and wellness during the ultra-long journeys. Earlier images of the cabin show more space, improved lighting, and special zones for stretching and relaxation to help passengers manage the marathon flights. As part of broader improvements, Qantas also announced a new Economy Plus product for domestic and short-haul flights, offering more legroom, priority boarding, and access to overhead storage from early next year. The unveiling of the new aircraft coincided with Qantas’ annual general meeting in Brisbane, marking a major milestone in its journey to connect Australians directly with the world non-stop.