First Qantas Project Sunrise plane completes maiden test flight

Qantas is another step closer to offering direct, non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York, with the airline’s first Project Sunrise aircraft officially completing its maiden test flight.

The successful first flight marks the beginning of a two-month testing campaign, with the aircraft to complete around 80 hours of flight testing and undergo extensive on-ground checks and certification.

The A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft will fly for up to 22 hours non-stop, which is made possible by an additional 20,000 litre rear centre fuel tank and enhanced systems.

“This is something that everyone at Qantas has been waiting for for so long,” Vanessa continued,” Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said last year.

“But not just for Qantas employees... this is going to be an aircraft that can actually fly further than any other aircraft in the world and connect our continent to London, to New York direct, and so it’s just a wonderful thing for the nation as a whole.”

Operated by two Airbus Flight Test Pilots, three Flight Test Engineers and one Ground Test Engineer, the test flight took off from Toulouse and flew for three hours 43 minutes over France and the French Atlantic Coast.

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The first of the new planes rolled out of the Airbus factory in April after all components were attached, including fuselage, wings, tail, landing gear and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

Written along the side of the plane are the words "Our Spirit flies further".

The new cabins have been developed in collaboration with aviation specialists, Australian industrial designer David Caon, and a multidisciplinary team of experts from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre.

This includes sleep scientists working to combat jetlag through features like unique, customised lighting design and timed meal service.

Based on the modelling of circadian rhythms, the cabin lights aim to promote circadian adaption, sleep, and wake.

The sequences will then be tailored to help passengers adjust to their destination time zone before they set foot on the ground.

Also key to the cabin design, Qantas says, has been giving passengers more space, with a 238-seat configuration versus the 300-plus seat layout used by other A350-1000 operators.

This includes a purpose-built Wellbeing Zone located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

The area will feature integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise programs, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.

The Wellbeing Zone was recognised at the Crystal Cabin Awards in 2024, taking out the category of 'Passenger Comfort'.

When will Project Sunrise flights start?

The first of 12 new aircraft was scheduled for delivery in late 2026. However, it has since been delayed due to supply chain issues and is not expected to arrive until early 2027.

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Alongside the extensive testing and certification campaign, a second Project Sunrise aircraft is currently progressing through Airbus’ final assembly line, having its four-class interior fitted and being painted in Qantas livery.

“While the first aircraft delivery has shifted to April 2027, the next four will follow in quick succession, putting us back on our original schedule by November,” Qantas said in a statement.

The airline will announce the first Project Sunrise route and timing of its inaugural commercial services later this month.

The new Qantas flights will be the longest non-stop journeys in the world once they start operating.

Right now, Singapore Airlines still holds the title of the world’s longest flight, thanks to its Singapore to New York route, according to the Official Aviation Guide’s (OAG) airline schedules data.