Qantas says its ambitious Project Sunrise remains on track, with test flights expected to begin next year ahead of a full commercial launch in 2027.
The project, named for the rare experience of passengers witnessing two sunrises during a single journey, is designed to deliver ultra long-haul flights lasting up to 22 hours. The operation is being made possible by the addition of a 20,000-litre fuel tank, allowing the aircraft to cover unprecedented distances nonstop.
To make the journey more manageable for passengers, the airline is also rethinking the onboard experience. Qantas plans to install 238 seats, significantly fewer than the more than 300 seats typically found on similar aircraft, in order to create more cabin space and allow easier movement during the flight.
The redesigned aircraft will also feature a dedicated wellness zone where passengers can stretch and move around. In addition, the airline said it has worked with sleep and health experts to develop cabin lighting, meal schedules and inflight routines intended to reduce fatigue and help minimise jet lag.
In its latest update in November, Qantas said progress on the aircraft is advancing steadily, with the wings, tail section and landing gear now attached to the new plane.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said Project Sunrise is aimed at overcoming what she described as the “tyranny of distance,” adding that the development would reshape long-distance travel for customers.
She said the flights are expected to cut as much as four hours off some journeys while introducing a science-based cabin design focused on passenger comfort and wellbeing.
According to the airline, the first of 12 new aircraft is due for delivery in late 2026, with the first commercial Project Sunrise services expected to begin in the first half of 2027.
