Qantas's ambitious 'Project Sunrise', which aims to operate the world's longest non-stop flights from London and New York to Sydney, has been delayed. The 22-hour journey was initially expected to launch in early 2027, but supply chain issues linked to the situation in Iran have pushed back the delivery of Airbus A350 aircraft.
The airline had hoped to receive the first of its specially configured A350-1000ULR jets by late 2026, but now expects delivery in April 2027. The remaining four aircraft are set to follow quickly, with commercial services potentially starting in November 2027. The planes will carry 238 passengers, fewer than the standard 300, to allow for extra space and 'wellbeing zones'.
Despite the delay, progress is being made. The first Qantas A350 has emerged from a hangar in Toulouse, France, and is now in the paint shop. Test flights are expected to begin within weeks, and pilot training is underway at a new A350 simulator in Sydney. A Qantas spokesperson confirmed that the first route and timing of inaugural commercial services will be announced next month.
Currently, Singapore Airlines holds the record for the longest non-stop flight, operating an 18-hour service between Singapore and New York. Qantas's Project Sunrise aims to surpass that with direct connections from London and New York to Sydney.
