QANTAS: Project Sunrise aircraft finally takes shape — again

Remember when Qantas first floated the idea of flying non-stop from Sydney to London back in 2017? We’ve had multiple CEOs, a pandemic, a federal inquiry, and at least one mid-air Wi-Fi trial since then. But here we are, November 2025, and Qantas’ first Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR is finally being assembled in the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France.

According to the press release (and yes, we’ve read it so you don’t have to), the first airframe is ‘taking shape’ with its wings, fuselage and tail now joined, ready for engine installation and test flights next year. Qantas says it’s “a significant step toward conquering the final frontier of long-haul travel.”

More like another baby step in a project that’s been delayed more times than Cher had done farewell tours.

What’s actually happening in Toulouse

The 12 specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULRs that Qantas has commissioned will carry up to 22 hours’ worth of fuel, thanks to an additional 20,000-litre rear tank, perfect for people who think it’s a good idea to sit in one spot longer than a full season of Bluey.

Qantas says this will finally deliver non-stop flights from Australia’s east coast to London and New York, shaving four hours off current one-stop routes. Except it looks like it could be pipped at the post by Turkish Airlines. Turkey is Europe, you know

It’s impressive technology, but as we noted when Qantas delayed its Sydney International Business Lounge rebuild to line up with these same flights (see our earlier post on that), it’s all starting to feel a bit like the lounge renovations — perpetually “on track,” perpetually not yet.

Wellbeing zones and ‘science-backed design’

Only Qantas could transform a relatively unusable space around an exit into a ‘wellbeing zone’. Designed with David Caon and with expertise of the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, the aircraft will include such a zone wedged between Premium Economy and Economy, around an exit door. The well-being aspect seems to consist of stretch handles, hydration stations (water taps?) and video screens instructing you how to move your legs so you don’t develop deep-vein thrombosis.

Cabins will seat 238 passengers, fewer than most A350s. Qantas calls this a ‘spacious.’ layout. Frequent flyers might call it ‘slightly less sardine.’ Lighting, meal timing, and even scent are all ‘science-backed.’ The hope is you will forget you’ve been in a tin/carbon fibre can for the last 22 hours.

A history of moving goalposts

If this all sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Qantas originally targeted 2023 for launch, then 2025, then late 2026, and now, officially, first half 2027. Airbus itself admitted earlier this year that the delivery delay was due to a redesign of that monster fuel tank.

As we said in our previous coverage of Qantas’ Project Sunrise ambitions: this is the airline’s white whale — technologically brilliant, logistically heroic, and financially terrifying. Although, Qantas is banking on it earning a very optimistic additional AU$400 million in its first year.

2PAXfly takeout

Look, it’s hard not to be impressed by the idea of flying Sydney-London without a stopover, until you remember that stopping over in Singapore isn’t exactly suffering. But then, I was wrong about the attractiveness and profitability of the Perth to London route, without First Class, so what do I know.

Still, if Qantas can actually deliver these flights by mid-2027, with the promised ‘comfort-first’ cabin and a new Sydney International Business Lounge worthy of it, I’ll happily eat my words somewhere over the Arabian Sea.

Until then, Project Sunrise remains what it’s been since Alan Joyce first dreamed it up: an ambitious work-in-progress with more press releases than passengers.

Oh, and one more thing. Today is the Qantas AGM, which may account for the deluge of announcments.