Conquering the Tyranny of Distance: Qantas Reveals First Glimpse of 22-Hour Project Sunrise Jet 🦁

By Our Aviation Correspondent Published: Friday, November 7, 2025

Toulouse, France/Sydney, AU – A new dawn in aviation is rapidly approaching. Qantas, Australia’s national carrier, has released the highly anticipated first images of its specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft, the plane that will finally make non-stop, 22-hour commercial flights from Australia’s east coast to London and New York a reality.

The aircraft, which is the cornerstone of the airline’s ambitious “Project Sunrise,” is currently taking shape at the Airbus manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France. Qantas confirmed that all key airframe components—including the fuselage sections, wings, and landing gear—have now been attached, marking a significant production milestone. The jet will now be moved to a final assembly hangar for the installation of its engines and instruments, preparing it for an extensive test flight program commencing in 2026.

🌅 A Flight Designed for Wellbeing

The Project Sunrise flights, named in homage to the airline’s “Double Sunrise” endurance flights during World War II, are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2027. They promise to cut up to four hours off the total travel time compared to current one-stop services.

Crucially, this is not just an ordinary A350. Qantas has worked with designers and sleep scientists from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to transform the passenger experience for ultra-long-haul travel:

• Custom Configuration: To maximise passenger space and comfort on the 22-hour journeys, the aircraft is configured with just 238 seats, significantly fewer than the typical 300-plus seats on a standard A350-1000.
• The Wellbeing Zone: A revolutionary, purpose-built Wellbeing Zone is situated between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins. This dedicated space, accessible to all passengers, features integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise programs, and a hydration station to combat jetlag and promote movement.
• Premium Cabins: The aircraft features six luxurious, enclosed First Class suites with separate flat beds and recliners, and 52 spacious Business Class suites, both offering high levels of privacy and comfort.
• Enhanced Comfort: Even the Premium Economy and Economy cabins have been redesigned with extra space, featuring generous seat pitches (33 inches in Economy) and ergonomic support, alongside unique, scientifically informed lighting designs intended to minimise jetlag.
• Extended Range: The ultra-long-haul capability is achieved through an additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank and enhanced systems, allowing the aircraft to remain airborne for up to 22 hours non-stop.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the progress brings the project one step closer to reality. “Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world,” she said.

The first of the 12 ordered aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, setting the stage for one of the most significant advancements in modern commercial air travel.