Qantas has unveiled its first custom Airbus A350-1000ULR, designed for nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York. The airline has ordered 12 of these specially modified jets, which will feature a wellness zone, lighting systems to combat jet lag, and a reduced passenger capacity to provide more space for travelers.
Project Sunrise
Qantas’ Project Sunrise aims to make ultra-long-haul travel a reality, reducing travel times and pushing the limits of commercial aviation. The airline has spent years operating some of the world’s longest routes and believes the appeal of these flights is already proven.
The custom jet features a 1-1-1 configuration in first class, with 80-inch flat beds and separate armchairs. Business class will have 52 suites in a 1-2-1 format, while premium economy will have 40 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. Economy will accommodate 140 passengers in a 3-3-3 layout.
The inaugural Sydney-to-London service is set to launch in October 2027, with deliveries of the modified aircraft scheduled to begin next year. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson said the effort is the latest chapter in the airline’s mission to solve the “tyranny of distance” and make long-haul travel more accessible.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
