Qantas releases first images of ultra long range Airbus A350-1000ULR that will fly non-stop from Sydney to London and New York starting in 2027

The Airbus A350-1000ULR that will soon make the Sydney to London non-stop dream a reality under Qantas’ Project Sunrise has officially taken shape.

Qantas unveiled the first images of the aircraft on the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse, marking a major milestone for the long-anticipated program.

Its fuselage sections, wings, and landing gear are now attached, giving the public their first glimpse of the jet that aims to redefine long-haul travel.

With engines and instruments set to be installed before 2026 test flights, the countdown is on.

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The Airbus A350-1000ULR is essential to operate Sydney to London non-stop flights

Qantas’ Project Sunrise has been one of aviation’s most ambitious plans ever: to operate Sydney to London non-stop flights.

These marathon flights will clock in at roughly 22 hours, trimming up to four hours off current routes that require a layover.

Apart from London, the Australian airline is also aiming to connect the country’s east coast directly to New York.

For reference, the title for world’s longest non-stop flight is currently held by Singapore Airlines, whose direct journey from Singapore to New York clocks in at just under 19 hours.

This is, of course, if you don’t count China Eastern Airlines’ plans to operate a 29 hours ‘direct’ flight, which comes with a huge caveat.

To pull this off, Qantas needed a next-generation aircraft capable of extraordinary range, top-tier fuel efficiency, and enough onboard comfort to keep passengers sane during what amounts to almost a full day in the sky.

Enter the Airbus A350-1000ULR, a long-range variant of Airbus’s flagship widebody.

It brings major improvements that make ultra long-haul flying not just possible, but bearable.

Innovations in its carbon-fiber fuselage and advanced wing design allow for lower fuel burn and smoother performance.

Its cabin will feature higher humidity levels, better air filtration, and lower cabin altitude.

These are key factors in reducing jet lag on flights that stretch across the planet.

Qantas has already previewed early cabin concepts, including luxury first-class suites that rival many top-tier airlines, wellness zones, and redesigned cabins to maximize space and comfort.

Qantas’ Project Sunrise will revolutionize long-haul flying

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson called the aircraft ‘one that will change what’s possible’ in international aviation, and she’s not exaggerating.

The carrier expects its first A350-1000ULR to arrive late next year, with twelve on order.

The reveal coincided with the airline’s annual general meeting in Brisbane, where the airline also noted steady performance across its loyalty program and modest growth in domestic and international revenue.

With Project Sunrise finally nearing reality, Qantas is gearing up to reshape global travel.

If it proves successful, it just proves that Australians really will sit on a plane for 22 straight hours if it means skipping layovers in Singapore or the Middle East forever.

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