Qantas orders Airbus A350-1000 for long-haul flights

Qantas is moving forward with its plans to expand ultra-long-haul flights known as Project Sunrise. The airline has ordered 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which are designed to fly long distances without stopping. These planes will connect Australia directly to major cities like London and New York. The first A350 is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson recently shared updates at the Airbus Summit in Toulouse, France. She stated that the first plane will start production in September 2025, helping to prepare for the launch of long-haul services. In early 2027, Qantas expects to introduce these aircraft into commercial service, initially using shorter routes. This will allow pilots and crew to get accustomed to the new aircraft before operating longer flights. The airline has not officially announced specific routes yet. However, it is likely that services will connect Sydney and Melbourne with cities such as New York and London. Hudson mentioned that three aircraft are needed to provide daily service on these routes. Qantas plans to expand its network as more planes are delivered over the next two years. The A350-1000s will also be used on existing routes like Perth to London and potentially others, depending on demand. With the new planes, Qantas aims to connect Australia to more destinations worldwide, optimizing routes based on passenger demand. Hudson expressed confidence that the A350-1000 will enhance their long-haul offerings and meet the expectations of travelers.