Qantas Airways makes history with 'Project Sunrise' jet capable of flying 22 hours non-stop

Tasleem Gierdien

Tasleem Gierdien

11 November 2025 | 15:03

The airline has unveiled an ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000ULR capable of flying non-stop from Sydney to London and New York.

Qantas Airways makes history with 'Project Sunrise' jet capable of flying 22 hours non-stop

Qantas airline's new plane was pictured at Airbus' headquarters in Toulouse, France. Picture: Instagram screengrab: @qantas

Qantas Airways has unveiled the first images and videos of "Project Sunrise", an ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000ULR, the passenger jet capable of flying non-stop for up to 22 hours, connecting Sydney directly to London and New York.

The aircraft set for lift off in 2026, features a 20,000-liter rear centre fuel tank, enabling these record-breaking flights.

The airline dubbed the initiative "Project Sunrise" because passengers can experience two separate sunrises on the journey.

Work on the project began in 2017 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily grounded much of the aviation industry. Qantas’ latest update includes new images and footage showing the plane’s assembly at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, France.

Unlike standard A350-1000s, which seat around 400 passengers, this ultra-long-range model will accommodate only 238.

The redesign allows for a purpose-built Wellbeing Zone between premium economy and economy, as well as luxurious first-class suites, aimed at enhancing passenger comfort on ultra-long flights.

According to Barbara Friedman, Digital Content Editor at Primedia Plus, "it's a big breakthrough... it is a huge game-changer for a lot of people."

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