- Project Sunrise was launched in 2017 to develop the non-stop London to Sydney route.
- The first of 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft will be delivered to Qantas by April 2026.
- The first non-stop flight between London and Sydney is scheduled to take off in October 2027, lasting around 22 hours.
- Qantas has invested $3.2 billion in the aircraft for Project Sunrise.
- The aircraft will feature wellness zones for passenger exercise and hydration.
- The hurdle for the engines was ensuring the 324-tonne planes could take off and land efficiently.
- Qantas is targeting premium and time-sensitive travellers willing to pay a premium to avoid connections.
- Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed confidence, stating, "We feel really confident that this is going to be a success,".
- The longer flight has a higher relative fuel bill, impacting pricing.
Qantas is preparing to launch non-stop flights from London to Sydney in October 2027 as part of its ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, which aims to revolutionize long-haul travel. The airline has invested $3.2 billion (£2.5 billion) in twelve Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, designed for ultra-long-range travel.15
The first aircraft is expected to be delivered by April 2027, with five more following by November. These planes will feature advanced Rolls Royce engines and have undergone extensive engineering to reduce weight, enhancing fuel efficiency. The first non-stop flight is anticipated to take around 22 hours, although the return journey may take up to 25 hours due to jet stream conditions.34
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has emphasized the importance of customer demand, stating that 40% of the seats will be in premium economy, business, or first class. The airline plans to offer Classic Reward seats, but availability may be limited. For those looking to book using points, a one-way trip in first class will cost 227,800 points, while business class will require 151,800 points.
Despite the challenges, Hudson remains optimistic, noting, "The tyranny of distance has finally been conquered". The program, launched in 2017, aims to enhance Qantas's global standing, which has recently declined to 24th in airline rankings.
“Qantas is set to begin non-stop flights from London to Sydney in October 2027 as part of its Project Sunrise initiative. The airline is investing heavily in aircraft design and customer experience to meet the demands of premium travelers.”
Executive Traveller
The Independent
