Australian national flag carrier Qantas has highlighted that the airframe for it first Airbus A350-1000ULR airliner has been completed, at Airbus’ Final Assembly Line, in Toulouse, France. The aircraft will now be fitted with its engines and flight test instruments, after which it will start a comprehensive flight test programme, next year.

The A350-1000ULR is a new version of the A350-1000, developed for Qantas. ULR stands for Ultra-Long-Range, and, once operational, it will allow the airline to operate non-stop flights between the east coast of its homeland (which ls where Sydney ls located) and London or New York. The development programme for this new variant is designated Project Sunrise.

“Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers,” highlighted Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson. “Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world. These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science-backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing.”

The A350-1000ULR has been fitted with an extra fuel tank, in the rear centre fuselage, with a capacity of 20 000 l. It has also been fitted with enhanced systems. These changes will give it the additional range it needs and allow it to fly for up to 22 hours, without stopping.

But such long flights will have effects on the passengers, not least jetlag. Qantas did not forget this. Working with Airbus, a multidisciplinary team (including sleep scientists) from the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney, aviation specialists, and Australian industrial designer David Caon, the airline has developed the cabin layout of the new aircraft from scratch.

While operators of other versions of the A350-1000 usually configured their cabins for 300, or more, passengers, Qantas’ A350-1000ULR cabins will be configured with 238 seats. Further, there will be a “Wellbeing Zone” located between Premium Economy and Economy class, which will be equipped with stretch handles and guided onscreen exercise programmes, refreshments, and a hydration station.

The airline has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs. The first will be delivered in late 2026, and commercial services will start during the first half of 2027.