Australian airline Qantas has confirmed that the ultra-long-haul flights under its ambitious Project Sunrise will commence operations in early 2027. The announcement was made by the company’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson, who revealed that the airline will receive the first of 12 dedicated Airbus A350-1000 aircraft by the end of 2025.
Delays in A350-1000 Deliveries
The delivery schedule for these aircraft has undergone adjustments after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requested Airbus to redesign a fuel tank. This modification has caused delays in the arrival of the first planes to Qantas, forcing the airline to restructure its operational plan.
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Initial Routes and Certification
Hudson explained that to ensure daily non-stop flights between Sydney and New York or Sydney and London, at least three aircraft will need to be in service. As more units are delivered, the airline will be able to expand its network of destinations.
Before operations begin, Qantas will need to conduct local certification flights and additional tests to ensure crews become familiar with the new aircraft.
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