Qantas Airways announced that its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft configured for ultra-long-range flights will now be delivered in April 2027, delayed from the originally expected late 2026 timeline [1, 2, 3]. The delay results from supply chain disruptions affecting Airbus production, including setbacks in receiving interior components and fuselage assemblies from suppliers such as Spirit AeroSystems in North Carolina [1, 2, 3].
The airline ordered 12 modified A350-1000 jets in May 2022 to support Project Sunrise, which aims to operate nonstop flights lasting 20 to 22 hours. These flights will connect Sydney nonstop with London and New York, potentially becoming the world's longest non-stop commercial routes [1, 3]. The planes are specially equipped with extra fuel tanks to enable the extended flight duration [1, 3].
Qantas said it continues to work closely with Airbus on the delivery and certification process necessary for these ultra-long-haul flights, describing the flights as "history-making" [1]. The airline expects the next four A350 deliveries to come in quick succession, targeting to return production progress to its scheduled pace by November 2027 [1].
Qantas first unveiled Project Sunrise in 2017 to develop nonstop ultra-long-haul flights with specially designed cabins [3]. The initial aircraft for the project was seen at Airbus' Toulouse facility in late 2025 [3]. However, with supply chain disruptions currently affecting Airbus' assembly, the first commercial flights using the A350 jets are now expected to start in late 2027, later than the previously planned early or mid-2027 launch [1, 3].
Qantas' order for 12 A350-1000s will form the backbone of its ultra long-haul operations, with nonstop flights up to 22 hours aimed at connecting its Australian base with major global cities [1, 3]. The delay pushes back the rollout of these flights but the airline remains committed to launching them once deliveries and certifications are complete [1].
