Qantas has a couple of dozen Airbus A350s on order, some of which will be used to operate the world’s longest nonstop flights. This includes flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London.
There’s a lot to be excited about with these aircraft, though it has taken some patience. While the planes were initially supposed to enter service in 2025, they’re now expected to debut in 2027. While good progress has been made in recent times, we’ve just seen an additional four month delay to the delivery timeline for the first aircraft, which isn’t ideal. Let’s go over all the details of what we can expect with this addition to Qantas’ fleet.
Qantas has 24 Airbus A350-1000s on order
Qantas has a total of 24 Airbus A350-1000s on order:
- Qantas ordered 12 of these jets in mid-2022; these were the A350-1000ULR variants, which have an extra fuel tank and increased maximum takeoff weight, allowing them to operate the world’s longest flights (note that Airbus isn’t officially using the “ULR” branding, unlike on Singapore Airlines A350-900ULRs, so in this case it’s just being used by Qantas as a marketing term)
- Qantas ordered an additional 12 of these jets in mid-2023; these will be “standard” A350-1000s, so they’ll be long range, but not ultra long range, and will have a different configuration
Up until recently, the plan was for the first A350 to be delivered to Qantas in late 2026, with the first commercial flights expected in the first half of 2027. However, that has now been pushed back again — delivery of the first plane has just been delayed by around four months, to April 2027.
While Qantas isn’t providing an update about entry into service for the planes, I suspect the first Project Sunrise flight will now likely take off in the second half of 2027. Keep in mind Qantas needs three frames to launch one route, which is why there’s a lag before starting service (in addition to the need for training and preparations).
For what it’s worth, the biggest part of the delay on this project was due to getting the additional fuel tanks certified with European regulators, and that’s in addition to the standard “supply chain” delays. I suppose that delay is nothing compared to what the Boeing 777X is dealing with.
The A350-1000 is the largest variant of the A350 family, and the plane has incredible economics and range. Qantas will be taking those capabilities to the next level. The airline is taking advantage of all the incremental improvements that have been made to this aircraft over the years, including a higher maximum takeoff weight, which also allows the aircraft to carry more fuel.
As mentioned above, Qantas’ first dozen A350s will also feature additional fuel tanks, to take advantage of that higher takeoff weight. Furthermore, thanks to Qantas’ premium heavy configuration, the airline will be keeping the weight of the plane down, further maximizing range.
Qantas will use A350s for Project Sunrise flights
For years, Qantas has been working on what it calls “Project Sunrise,” which is the goal of operating nonstop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London. These flights will all be 10,000+ miles, could take 20+ hours, and will be the world’s longest flights. They’ll represent a huge reduction in travel time for these markets, and will likely be popular, especially with premium travelers.
Qantas initially just ordered 12 A350s, which would have covered the carrier’s needs for these flights. However, Qantas eventually doubled its order, so you can expect A350s to also be used for other premium, long haul flights. However, that second batch of A350s won’t have the extra fuel tanks, and are expected to be in a different configuration.
So don’t be surprised to see Qantas eventually fly A350s in some other existing markets (like Sydney to Los Angeles, especially when A380s eventually retire), as well as to some possible new markets.
Qantas Airbus A350-1000 passenger experience
Qantas’ A350-1000ULRs will be specially configured for long haul flying, and will be in a very spacious configuration:
- Qantas’ A350-1000ULRs will carry just 238 passengers, which is way fewer seats than you’ll find on most carriers’ A350s
- The planes will feature four classes of service, including six first class seats, 52 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats
- Economy will feature 33″ of pitch, which is generous, and much more spacious than what you’d typically find in economy (where 31″ is the standard for long haul flights)
- Qantas will be introducing a new first class suite and business class seat with a door on A350-1000s
- Qantas A350-1000ULRs will feature a dedicated wellness zone
- All Qantas A350-1000s will feature fast and free Wi-Fi, in partnership with Viasat
I’ve talked more about the cabin interiors in a separate post, because there’s lots to cover. AeroLOPA also has a seat map of the new cabins, which is interesting to look at.
Among existing A350-1000 operators, Japan Airlines’ version of this jet is probably the closest comparison. It has 239 seats (one additional seat), and it has incredible first class suites, and it has the same business class hard product. Flying on this jet should be a treat.
Bottom line
Qantas has a total of 24 Airbus A350-1000s on order. The first jet is expected to be delivered in April 2027, with long haul service expected to now likely start in the second half of 2027. This is an exciting new aircraft for Qantas, as it will be used for Project Sunrise flights, directly connecting Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London.
The first 12 planes will be the A350-1000ULRs, with an extra fuel tank, and a super premium configuration, with just 238 seats. You can expect new products across all cabins, a wellness zone, and even fast and free Wi-Fi.
What do you make of Qantas’ Airbus A350 & Project Sunrise plans?