Qantas’ much-anticipated ultra-long-haul flights between Sydney and London under its ambitious Project Sunrise have been delayed once again, with the first direct services now expected to launch in early 2027. The postponement, caused by delays in the delivery of Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and their custom interiors, marks yet another setback for the Australian carrier’s plans to revolutionize long-haul air travel.
Originally set to begin in 2025, Project Sunrise was first pushed back to 2026 before Qantas confirmed that its first A350-1000 will not arrive until late that year. However, the airline will need at least three aircraft to sustain a daily ultra-long-haul operation, with the third jet not expected until spring 2027. As a result, the launch of direct flights from Sydney to London and New York is now postponed until at least early 2027.
Despite the lengthy wait, Qantas has announced that its first A350-1000 will not be used for the highly anticipated intercontinental service right away. Instead, the airline will initially deploy the aircraft on short-haul flights between Sydney and Auckland, a route that takes just three hours. While this decision may frustrate those eager for direct long-haul flights, it follows a common industry practice where airlines first use new aircraft types on shorter routes for crew training and operational familiarization.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson, speaking at an Airbus event in Hamburg, Germany, explained that these trans-Tasman flights will allow pilots, cabin crew, and engineers to gain experience with the aircraft before it takes on the world’s longest commercial routes. Similar strategies have been used by other carriers, such as British Airways with its A350 and Iberia with its A321XLR.
When Project Sunrise does finally take off, Qantas’ A350-1000s will introduce a new level of comfort for passengers on flights lasting over 20 hours. Unlike standard high-density configurations, Qantas’ jets will seat just 238 passengers in four classes:
- First Class: Six luxurious suites
- Business Class: 52 lie-flat seats
- Premium Economy: 40 seats
- Economy Class: 140 seats with extra legroom (33-inch pitch)
The aircraft will also feature high-speed internet and an onboard wellness zone, designed to help passengers move and stretch during the record-breaking flights. With additional fuel tanks, the A350-1000 will be capable of operating longer non-stop routes than any previous commercial aircraft.
The Financial Times previously reported that Qantas has been discussing direct Sydney-London flights for years, making this latest delay another test of patience for travelers eager to experience non-stop ultra-long-haul travel. The airline remains committed to Project Sunrise, but for now, passengers will have to wait until 2027—or take a much shorter preview flight to Auckland in 2026.
