Qantas’ First A350-1000ULR Takes Off Ahead of Project Sunrise Launch

Qantas Airways celebrates a significant Project Sunrise milestone as its first Airbus A350-1000ULR takes to the skies, moving the airline nearer to launching non-stop London–Sydney services.

It is a moment years in the making. The maiden flight of Qantas' first Airbus A350-1000ULR marks the point at which Project Sunrise transitions from an ambitious vision into a tangible, approaching reality. For British travellers who have long endured the stops, the late-night transits, and the accumulated fatigue of flying to Australia, this development is nothing short of significant.

The aircraft lifted off for the first time from Airbus' assembly facility in Toulouse, France — a moment that the Australian flag carrier has every reason to celebrate, and one that the wider aviation world has been watching closely.​​​​​​​

Project Sunrise is Qantas' plan to operate the world's longest non-stop commercial flights, connecting Sydney with London Heathrow and New York JFK without a single stop in between. Every flight between the UK and Australia today requires at least one layover — typically routing through the Middle East or Southeast Asia — adding considerable time and disruption to an already lengthy journey.

Project Sunrise changes that equation entirely. Qantas has spent several years researching, planning, and developing the infrastructure needed to make ultra-long-haul commercial flight not just possible, but genuinely comfortable. The programme is backed by a firm aircraft order and a clear commitment from the airline to launch services once deliveries and regulatory approvals are in place.​​​​​​​

The Airbus A350-1000ULR is not a standard long-haul jet with a few modifications — it is a purpose-built ultra-long-range aircraft designed from the ground up to go further than virtually any other commercial airliner in passenger service today.

The ULR variant extends its range by around 1,000 nautical miles beyond a conventional A350-1000, achieved through an additional fuel tank carrying roughly 20,000 litres of extra fuel and structural reinforcements to support the increased takeoff weight. Together, these modifications enable the aircraft to cover more than 17,000 kilometres non-stop — precisely the distance required to fly directly from Sydney to London Heathrow.

Inside, the cabin has been optimised specifically for flights lasting more than 20 hours. Qantas worked alongside sleep researchers and wellbeing experts to shape every detail of the passenger environment, from lighting and meal scheduling to dedicated wellness spaces on board. The airline has also confirmed that the aircraft will carry fewer passengers than a standard configuration — a deliberate decision to provide more comfort across all cabin classes on flights of this duration.​​​​​​​

With Project Sunrise edging steadily toward its commercial launch, demand for seats — particularly on early services — is expected to be exceptionally high. For UK travellers with Australia on their radar, now is the time to start planning.

At Crystal Travel, our team is following every development closely and is ready to help you explore your options for travelling to Australia. Get in touch today to start planning your journey.