Qantas announces 22-hr non-stop flight between Australia and London and New York: See specs, images from Project Sunrise

Australia’s national carrier Qantas announced that the first ‘Project Sunrise’ aircraft has completed major production stages at Airbus’ production facility in Toulouse, France.

Sharing updates on the flight, which it calls “the last frontier of long-haul travel”, Qantas published the first images of the A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft at its French facility. The almost completed aircraft is planned to travel the Australia-London-New York route non-stop for 22 hours.

What is the Sunrise Project?

According to Qantas’ official statement, the name Project Sunrise is based on the carrier’s World War II mission. It pays tribute to the historic ‘Double Sunrise’ endurance flights during World War II. These flights stayed in the air long enough to witness two sunrises.

In the statement, Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the progress brings Project Sunrise “one step closer to reality”. He added that the project would overcome the challenges posed by long-distance routes and “fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world.”

“These flights will shorten travel by up to four hours and transform people’s experience of ultra-long-haul travel by minimizing jetlag and maximizing well-being through science-backed design,” added Hudson.

Project Sunrise services are expected to begin in the first half of 2027.

Qantas’ first Project Sunrise aircraft takes shape in Toulouse: First look

According to the statement, all major fuselage components of the aircraft were assembled, including the forward, middle and rear fuselage sections; The wings, tail section and landing gear are now also installed.