Inside the specially-modified Airbus jet built for the world’s longest flights

• Qantas has introduced the first dedicated Airbus A350-1000ULR for “Project Sunrise”.

• It will fly a new 22-hour non-stop route between Sydney and London from next year.

• The modified A350 features luxury cabins, wellness space and advanced fuel systems.

Australia’s national carrier is getting ready Launching new 10,000-mile flights This can last up to 22 hours straight and requires a dedicated Airbus jet with extraordinary endurance to accomplish them.

After years of delays, Qantas last week finally unveiled the centerpiece of its “Project Sunrise” initiative: a specially modified A350-1000ULR with extra fuel tanks, structural improvements, ultra-premium first-class cabins and a dedicated “wellness zone”.

Improvements from nose to tail — based on years of Qantas research. ultra long flights These technologies, which affect passenger movement, sleep and wakefulness, are designed to make nearly a day in the air more bearable.

Airbus has begun flight testing of the modified A350-1000ULR in France as it works towards European certification.

First reservations if all goes as planned Project Sunrise flight It will open between Sydney and London in February 2027. Opening will begin in October 2027.

This will effectively eliminate Qantas’ current one-stop route and cut travel time to London by four hours.

At the same time Dethroned Singapore Airlines The current world’s longest flight, between Singapore and New York, takes 19 hours and covers approximately 9,500 miles.

The timing of non-stop service to Qantas’ second planned Project Sunrise city of New York, which will take a slightly shorter route eastward across the Pacific, and other international destinations will be announced next year.

Project Sunrise is expected to create new market opportunities for Qantas. premium leisure and business travelers We’re willing to pay for the convenience of these new nonstop flights.

However, it is stated that passengers will probably pay a premium for their tickets due to the low capacity of the aircraft, high fuel and crew costs, and the privilege of being on a non-stop route.

For reference, a one-stop Qantas roundtrip to London this summer typically costs around $2,000; first class can exceed $20,000.

About the project five years behind schedule Due to a combination of COVID-related restrictions, the complexity of the A350 redesign, defects in the aircraft’s Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and supply chain bottlenecks.

Still, Qantas’ long-awaited Project Sunrise flights will be a full-circle moment: the name comes from the airline’s “Double sunrise” route It connected Australia and England over a number of stops over several days during the Second World War, more than 80 years ago.

Extra fuel tanks and new cooling system

Qantas’ private A350 needs a number of significant modifications to achieve record-breaking range.

This includes a new 5,300 gallon gas rear center fuel tank this completes the other three on the abdomen and wings. Airbus said the tanks have “highly sensitive sensors” that constantly monitor fuel flow, temperature and overall performance.

The aircraft also features a new galley refrigeration system that reduces weight and keeps treats fresher longer.

However, these new systems need to be tested extensively before certification.

Since the test aircraft was the same aircraft that would be sent to Qantas’ fleet, Airbus had little chance of making a mistake and the five-metric-tonne custom-built aircraft were available. monitoring equipment to support the program.

For example, to ensure the galley system provides a comfortable environment, Airbus uses “fake” passengers to simulate real people’s body temperature and monitor cabin temperature.

The tests are carried out by highly specialized Airbus experimental test pilots and flight test engineers. More than 360 pilots and 1,200 flight attendants are being trained for Qantas’ planned fleet of 12 Project Sunrise A350-1000ULRs.

Ultra luxurious first class and wellness space

Qantas’ ULR fleet will feature a 238-seat, low-density, premium heavy cabin, far fewer than the roughly 400 passengers a typical A350-1000 model can accommodate.

Seats are divided into four cabins: six in first class, 52 in business class, 40 in premium economy and 140 in regular coach. First class It is expected to be high priced.

The private cabin features a sliding door, a separate recliner and an 80-inch bed, a full-size wardrobe, and space for two people to chat or dine together. Think of it like a mini hotel room.

Reclining business class will also be suite-style with doors, while premium economy will feature leg and footrests and winged headrests. Qantas said economy class It will offer more legroom than other aircraft.

Beyond the seats, the open space between economy and premium economy will feature a wellness area for stretching, movement and hydration. Even trainer class is accepted.

There is also advanced lighting and lighting throughout the cabin. circadian rhythm The systems, which include 12 lighting scenes such as “Sunrise,” “Sunset” and “Awakening,” are designed to help passengers adjust to their arrival time zone and reduce jet lag.

Qantas also relies on meal timing and flexible dining options to further enhance the experience.

“This aircraft was designed from the ground up for ultra-long-haul travel, its cabin is built on science and combating jetlag, and it features a custom-designed inflight experience throughout the journey.” Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said in a press release.

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