Project Sunrise has hit more turbulence, with Qantas’ long-awaited non-stop London and New York flights now unlikely before late 2027.
Qantas’ ambitious plan to launch non-stop flights from Australia’s east coast to London and New York has suffered another delay, after Airbus confirmed the ultra-long-range aircraft needed for the services will arrive later than expected.
The specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, central to the Flying Kangaroo’s long-awaited Project Sunrise program, were due to begin joining the fleet at the end of this year. Instead, Airbus says the first aircraft will now land in Qantas’ hands in April 2027.
According to reports, including the AFR, the setback is expected to push the launch of the much-hyped 22-hour non-stop flights to the end of 2027, marking yet another delay for a project first announced with fanfare back in 2017.
Airbus blamed ongoing global supply chain challenges, compounded by conflict in the Middle East, for the revised timeline.
“The first A350-1000ULR will now join the Qantas fleet in April 2027 (with further deliveries to follow in quick succession). The adjustment to the schedule is largely due to the impact of supply chain issues,” an Airbus spokesperson said.
Despite the delay, Qantas insists the delivery program will quickly accelerate, with the fifth aircraft expected by November next year. The airline also flagged an announcement on the first Project Sunrise route launch during a media and analyst visit to Airbus’ Toulouse manufacturing base next month.
Project Sunrise is one of the most closely watched aviation developments globally, promising direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York – journeys of up to 18,000 kilometres and around 22 hours in the air.
Fleet renewal strategy
The aircraft are a major part of Qantas’ broader $15 billion fleet renewal strategy and are expected to significantly reshape the carrier’s international network.
The importance of the project has only intensified amid instability in the Middle East, which has complicated traditional stopover routes through hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Non-stop flights would reduce travel times by up to four hours and lessen Qantas’ reliance on strategic partner Emirates.
The custom-built A350-1000ULR aircraft will feature an additional fuel tank to enable the marathon journeys, while also delivering a cabin heavily weighted toward premium travellers.
Around 41 per cent of seats on the new aircraft will be dedicated to first class, business class and premium economy — a significantly higher premium mix than Qantas’ Airbus A380 fleet, where premium seating accounts for around 29 per cent of capacity.
Speaking during a recent visit to Australia, Airbus executive vice president international Wouter Van Wersch described the aircraft as a flagship project for the European manufacturer.
“Of course, it is extremely important to deliver it,” Van Wersch said. “It has been rolled out of our hangars a couple of weeks ago with the engines and everything.
“Now it’s going to go into test flights and we hope that by the end of the year it should be there.”
However, the aircraft is still yet to undertake its first test flight.
The delay comes as airlines globally grapple with surging fuel costs following escalating geopolitical tensions. Qantas recently warned it expects to pay up to $800 million more for fuel this half, despite extensive hedging strategies.
Still, Airbus believes demand for newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft remains strong.
“The fuel price today is a strong complication for airlines and for the world, more generally, but we are convinced it will be temporary and that things will go back to normal when the crisis is resolved,” Van Wersch said.
Investors continue to view Project Sunrise as a crown jewel for Qantas, with the program forecast to deliver around $400 million in incremental earnings before interest and tax once all 12 aircraft are operating.
Analysts have also urged the airline to prioritise the ultra-long-haul program above other fleet investments if spending pressures intensify.
The latest postponement marks the third delay since Qantas formally confirmed the aircraft order in 2022 after temporarily shelving the project during the pandemic.
Even so, Qantas remains in a comparatively stronger position than airlines waiting on Boeing’s delayed 777X program, which is also now expected to enter service in 2027.
For Airbus, the deal also represents a growing foothold in the Australian aviation market. The manufacturer currently has more than 160 aircraft on order for Qantas and expects its Australian market share to double to around 80 per cent once deliveries are complete later next decade.
