# Qantas Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul progress

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/qantas-a350ulr-project-sunrise-progress
> Updated: 2026-08-22T05:00:45.000Z. Sources: 230. Developments: 26.

In early June 2026, Airbus flew the first A350-1000ULR from Toulouse, validating a 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank that provides a range gain of approximately 1,000 nm. This enables nonstop flights of up to 22 hours, such as Sydney to London or New York. Delivery of the 12-aircraft fleet is slated for April 2027, featuring a 238-seat, four-class cabin with a dedicated ‘Wellbeing Zone’ and low-density layout.

A two-month flight-test campaign began in late June using aircraft fitted with over 1,000 sensors. In late July, the aircraft completed a 19-hour test from Toulouse to Melbourne, followed by a record-breaking 24-hour and 24-minute nonstop flight from Melbourne to Toulouse. This round-trip test covered approximately 23,076 km, setting a new world record for the longest nonstop journey by a large commercial aircraft and attracting over 3.5 million viewers on Flightradar24.

Qantas has confirmed that daily nonstop Sydney-London services will commence in October 2027, with a Sydney-New York route to follow. The airline aims to reduce journey times by up to four hours compared to current itineraries involving stopovers. The new cabin experience will incorporate AI-driven digital services and specialized lighting within the Wellbeing Zone to mitigate jet lag. Qantas product director Sarah Udy described the Wellbeing Zone as ‘one of the greatest innovations in cabin design,’ intended to rethink the passenger experience for extreme flight durations. The project arrives as airlines navigate higher fuel costs and a reported 1.7% dip in global passenger demand.

## Claims

- The aircraft covered about 23,076 km (12,460 nautical miles). (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The aircraft is an Airbus A350‑1000 Ultra Long Range with an additional rear fuel tank holding 20,000 litres. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- No passengers were on board; only 12 crew members (test pilots, Qantas pilots and Airbus engineers). (corroborated by 17 sources)
- More than 3.6 million people tracked the flight on Flightradar24, making it the second‑most‑tracked flight in the service’s history. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The test flight lasted 24 hours and 24 minutes nonstop from Melbourne to Toulouse. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The aircraft cabin will have 238 seats and a dedicated Wellbeing Zone for passenger comfort. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The cabin will have 238 seats and a dedicated Wellbeing Zone for passenger comfort. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The cabin will have 238 seats and include a “Wellbeing Zone” for passenger comfort on ultra‑long flights. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Qantas expects the future Sydney‑London flight to take about 19 to 21 hours. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Qantas has ordered twelve A350‑1000ULR jets for Project Sunrise. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The aircraft is powered by two Rolls‑Royce Trent XWB‑97 engines. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Qantas plans to launch daily nonstop Sydney‑London flights by October 2027 as part of Project Sunrise. (corroborated by 12 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Qantas completes 24-hour test flight for Project Sunrise

Qantas successfully completed a 24-hour test flight from Melbourne to Toulouse using an Airbus A350-1000ULR as part of its Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flight program.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-completes-24-hour-test-flight-for-project-sunrise

### 2026-08-09: Qantas to launch nonstop Sydney-London flights with new wellbeing zones

Qantas plans to launch nonstop Sydney-to-London and Sydney-to-New York flights by 2027 using modified Airbus A350 aircraft featuring new onboard

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-to-launch-nonstop-flights-with-new-wellbeing-zones

### 2026-08-06: Qantas to launch first non‑stop Sydney‑London flights in 2027

Qantas' Project Sunrise will begin non‑stop Sydney‑London flights in Oct 2027, cutting travel time by up to four hours with Airbus A350‑1000ULR aircraft and a new “Wellbeing Zone” cabin, with a Sydney‑New York

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-to-launch-first-nonstop-sydneylondon-flights-in-2027

### 2026-08-02: Qantas completes record non‑stop Melbourne‑Toulouse flight ahead of London‑Sydney service

Qantas flew a record 23,075 km non‑stop Melbourne‑Toulouse test flight in 24 h 24 min, preparing for its London‑Sydney ultra‑long‑range service due in 2027.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-completes-record-nonstop-melbournetoulouse-flight-ahead-of-londonsydney-service

### 2026-07-30: Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR completes 24‑hour nonstop test, sets record

Qantas and Airbus flew an A350‑1000ULR nonstop from Melbourne to Toulouse for 24 h 24 min, covering 23,076 km, with 12 crew, no passengers, and a 20,000‑litre extra fuel tank; the test supports Project Sunrise,

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-a3501000ulr-test-flight-sets-24hour-record-for-commercial-jet

### 2026-07-27: Airbus A350‑1000ULR Sets 24‑Hour Non‑Stop Record for Qantas Project Sunrise

Airbus A350‑1000ULR (F‑WULR) flew nonstop Melbourne‑Toulouse for 24 h 24 m, covering 23 075 km, breaking the 2005 Boeing 777 record and paving the way for Qantas’ Project Sunrise nonstop Sydney‑London flights (

102 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-a350-1000-ulr-sets-new-24hour-nonstop-flight-record

### 2026-07-25: Airbus A350-1000ULR finishes 19‑hour non‑stop test from France to Australia

Airbus completed a 19‑hour, 17,000 km test flight of its A350‑1000ULR from Toulouse to Melbourne, paving the way for Qantas’s planned non‑stop Sydney‑London service due in 2027.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-airbus-a350-1000ulr-completes-first-nonstop-test-to-melbourne

### 2026-07-23: Qantas Project Sunrise A350‑1000ULR completes 19‑hour nonstop test to Melbourne

Airbus completed a 19‑hour nonstop test of Qantas’ A350‑1000ULR from Toulouse to Melbourne, covering 17,000 km, a milestone for Project Sunrise’s planned Sydney‑London and Sydney‑New York nonstop services.

33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-a350-1000ulr-completes-17000-km-nonstop-test-from-toulouse-to-melbourne

### 2026-07-15: Qantas to conduct 22‑hour nonstop test for Project Sunrise from France to Australia

Airbus will fly an A350‑1000ULR nonstop from Toulouse to Melbourne on 24 July, a 22‑hour, 17 000 km test for Qantas’ Project Sunrise, paving the way for nonstop Sydney‑London and Sydney‑New York services from 2

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-project-sunrise-ultralonghaul-test-flight-targets-2027-launch

### 2026-07-01: Qantas to start longest nonstop Sydney‑London flight in 2027

Qantas will begin the world’s longest nonstop Sydney‑London flight in October 2027, using Airbus A350s with new wellness and lighting features.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-to-start-longest-nonstop-sydneylondon-flight-in-2027

### 2026-06-29: Qantas to launch nonstop Sydney‑London flights in October 2027 with new A350‑1000ULR

Qantas will start nonstop Sydney‑London flights in Oct 2027 using a custom A350‑1000ULR, cutting travel time by four hours and offering a premium‑focused cabin.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-to-launch-nonstop-sydneylondon-flights-in-october-2027-with-new-a3501000ulr

### 2026-06-24: Qantas readies Airbus A350‑1000ULR for Project Sunrise ultra‑long‑haul flights

Airbus begins testing its A350‑1000ULR for Qantas’ Project Sunrise, while Qantas reveals a low‑density cabin design ahead of nonstop Sydney‑London flights slated for Oct 2027.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-readies-airbus-a3501000ulr-for-project-sunrise-ultralonghaul-flights

### 2026-06-20: Qantas to launch 22‑hour nonstop Sydney‑London flight in 2027

Qantas will start a nonstop 22‑hour Sydney‑London flight in Oct 2027 using modified A350‑1000ULR jets, featuring a premium layout and wellness zone, with tickets on sale Feb 2027.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-announces-nonstop-sydneylondon-ultralonghaul-flight-for-2026

### 2026-06-18: Qantas' Project Sunrise targets 22‑hour nonstop Sydney‑London flights

Qantas' Project Sunrise plans 22‑hour nonstop Sydney‑London flights using modified A350‑1000s with wellness‑focused cabins, aiming for premium revenue despite high costs and geopolitical risks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-project-sunrise-targets-22hour-nonstop-sydneylondon-flights

### 2026-06-18: Qantas pushes ahead with Project Sunrise ultra‑long‑haul A350‑1000ULR

Qantas' Project Sunrise targets 22‑hour nonstop Sydney‑London flights with a modified A350‑1000ULR, citing rising passenger intent and new fuel, AI and cabin features; Airbus calls it an incremental upgrade.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-pushes-ahead-with-project-sunrise-ultralonghaul-a3501000ulr

### 2026-06-18: Qantas announces first nonstop Sydney‑London flight for 2027

Qantas will start a nonstop Sydney‑London flight in Oct 2027, the world’s longest passenger route, using Airbus A350‑1000ULR aircraft and cutting travel time by up to four hours.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-announces-first-nonstop-sydneylondon-flight-for-2027

### 2026-06-17: Qantas launches non‑stop Sydney‑London ultra‑long‑haul flights, upgrades London lounge

Qantas will launch non‑stop Sydney‑London flights in Oct 2027 using A350‑1000ULR aircraft, with 22‑hour journeys, premium cabins, jet‑lag research, and a revamped Heathrow lounge featuring more seats and a new

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-to-launch-22hour-nonstop-sydneylondon-flight-on-a3501000

### 2026-06-16: Qantas to launch world's longest non‑stop Sydney‑London flight in October 2027

Qantas will start a non‑stop Sydney‑London flight in Oct 2027, a 22‑hour, 16,995 km route using Airbus A350‑1000ULR aircraft, marking the world's longest commercial service.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-to-unveil-first-ultralonghaul-route-for-project-sunrise

### 2026-06-12: Airbus A350‑1000ULR completes test flight for Qantas Project Sunrise

Airbus A350‑1000ULR completed a 3‑hour test in Toulouse, proving up to 22‑hour, 18,000 km range for Qantas’ Project Sunrise non‑stop intercontinental routes slated for 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-a3501000ulr-completes-test-flight-for-qantas-project-sunrise

### 2026-06-06: Airbus A350‑1000ULR test flight paves way for Qantas ultra‑long‑haul routes

Airbus completed the first test flight of its A350‑1000ULR in Toulouse, a ultra‑long‑range jet capable of 22 hours nonstop, enabling Qantas’ Project Sunrise nonstop Sydney‑London and Sydney‑New York services, 1

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-a3501000ulr-test-flight-paves-way-for-qantas-ultralonghaul-routes

### 2026-06-05: Qantas and Singapore Airlines weigh major wide-body jet purchases

Qantas and Singapore Airlines are negotiating large orders of Airbus and Boeing wide‑body jets, each targeting dozens of new aircraft to support fleet renewal and future growth.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-and-singapore-airlines-weigh-major-wide-body-jet-purchases

### 2026-06-04: Qantas evaluates purchase of 20 new wide‑body jets

Qantas is negotiating with Airbus and Boeing on a possible 20‑jet order, considering Boeing 787s or Airbus A350s as it expands its fleet for ultra‑long‑range Project Sunrise routes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-evaluates-purchase-of-20-new-widebody-jets

### 2026-06-04: Airbus completes first test flight of A350‑1000ULR for Qantas Sydney‑London ultra‑long route

Airbus completed the first test flight of its A350‑1000ULR, a Qantas‑ordered ultra‑long‑range jet that could fly non‑stop Sydney‑London in up to 22 hours, with deliveries slated for 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-completes-first-test-flight-of-a3501000ulr-for-qantas-sydneylondon-ultralong-route

### 2026-06-04: Qantas A350-1000ULR completes maiden flight in France

Airbus tested Qantas' first A350‑1000ULR in France, starting certification for the ultra‑long‑range jet slated for 2027 delivery to support Project Sunrise nonstop flights.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-a350-1000ulr-completes-maiden-flight-for-qantas

### 2026-06-03: Airbus flies first ultra‑long‑range A350‑1000ULR for Qantas

Airbus completed the maiden flight of an A350‑1000ULR for Qantas, enabling future nonstop Sydney–New York and Sydney–London services; Qantas will begin a two‑month test campaign and announce routes this month,‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-flies-first-ultralongrange-a3501000ulr-for-qantas

### 2026-06-02: Airbus A350-1000ULR completes maiden test flight for Qantas Project Sunrise

Airbus flew the A350‑1000ULR prototype for Qantas, testing its extra fuel tank that will allow non‑stop Sydney‑London/NY flights of up to 22 hours; delivery slated for April 2027.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-airbus-a350ulr-completes-first-test-flight-ahead-of-ultralonghaul-sydneylondon-service

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Cite as: Qantas Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul progress. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/qantas-a350ulr-project-sunrise-progress