Qantas Project Sunrise plane to make record 23 hour test flight

Qantas' first custom-made A350-1000 for its Project Sunrise flights has reached final assembly phase, ahead of historic marathon test flights. See it come together.

The aircraft Qantas has ordered to fly its groundbreaking Project Sunrise flights will be “tested” in a record-breaking 23 hour journey, before being launched into service in 2027.

As the countdown to the arrival of the first custom-made A350-1000 begins in earnest, Qantas shared new photos of the aircraft it ordered to operate non-stop flights between Sydney and New York or London.

All key airframe components, including the forward, centre and rear fuselage sections have been constructed, along with the wings, tail and landing gear.

The next stage of the process being undertaken at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, will involve the installation of the engines and flight test instruments, in preparation for an extensive test flight program beginning in 2026.

It’s understood that will involve a record-breaking flight of 23 hours from Toulouse to Toulouse, to ensure the aircraft’s ultra-long-range capabilities.

The current world record for the longest flight by a commercial airliner is 22 hours and 42 minutes — set in 2005 by a Boeing 777-200LR that flew from Hong Kong to London.

The marathon test flight is considered an essential part of preparations for 22-hour hops from one side of the globe to another, made possible by an additional 20,000 litre rear centre fuel tank.

Qantas chief executive officer Vanessa Hudsonsaid the aircraft’s progress meant Project Sunrise was a step closer to reality.

“Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers,” Ms Hudson said.

“Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world.”

Six first-class suites on Qantas’s new A350-1000 aircraft will offer the most comfortable way to endure 22-hour flights.

The name Project Sunrise was coined by Ms Hudson’s predecessor Alan Joyce in a nod to the airline’s endurance flights during World War II, which remained airborne long enough to see two sunrises.

Ms Hudson said being able to board a flight in Sydney and disembark in London or New York would cut up to four hours off the journey, and spare passengers the hassle of deboarding in Perth, Singapore, Auckland or Los Angeles.

“These flights will transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel through science-backed design to minimise jet lag and maximise wellbeing,” she said.

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

The academics have assisted with everything from lighting design to the time of meal services, all in the name of helping passengers arrive at their destination well-rested and refreshed.

The wellness zone will be a new feature on-board Qantas’s custom-made A350-1000s for Project Sunrise flights.

As well as luxurious premium cabins, the A350-1000 will sport a wellness zone between premium economy and economy with a hydration station and room to undertake gentle exercise.

The feature has already scored a Crystal Cabin award for passenger comfort for Qantas and designers Diehl Aviation.

It’s expected the first of 12 custom-made A350-1000s will arrive in late 2026, before the first commercial Project Sunrise services begin in the first half of 2027.

Airbus is understood to have agreed not to replicate the Qantas aircraft for any other airline, until all 12 are delivered. Qantas also has another dozen A350-1000s on order to replace A330s and A380s, early next decade.