Project Sunrise is about to redefine what long‑haul luxury feels like with non-stop flights from Sydney to London.
As the world of luxury travel has evolved, long haul travel has been stuck for some time. But Qantas are changing the game. Qantas have successfully completed the first test flight of their ongoing Project Sunrise. This success marks a much anticipated turning point for Australian travellers by ushering in an era of long range, zero stopover flight services.
For travellers who value time, comfort and efficiency, this gives flying a complete and revolutionary lifestyle upgrade.
Previously, Australian travellers flying direct to London or New York endured 20 hours of air travel with at least one connection, typically stopping over in Asia or the middle east and often pushing travel time over one full day. This left travellers busy, stressed, and exhausted when they finally landed, and it affects all Australians wanting to visit destination hot spots across the globe.
However, Qantas’s new Project Sunrise is a fleet of 12 Airbus A350-1000ULRs designed for flying up to 22 hours without layovers. These aircraft will create new direct services to a range of popular destinations, including Sydney to London or New York City, and entirely elevate the travel experience into something new. Though still in testing stages, the fleet is scheduled to begin servicing commercial flights in mid 2027, prioritising non-stop convenience.
Qantas Wellbeing Space
Every detail on these aircraft has been designed for ultimate comfort, the Project Sunrise aircraft are meticulously crafted and spacious modes of travel. Additionally, this fleet will feature the first ever Qantas Wellbeing Space, where all passengers can stretch their legs, participate in a range of guided movements, and choose from a range of healthy, premium snacks. It will be located between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins. Science-based findings will elevate this service from a typical flight, the health-focused designs creating a retreat-like feel where customers can forget they are even in the air. Promoting health and hydration, it will be located between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins but open to all customers.
This is a true game changer that redefines what luxury travel means; arrive at your destination feeling refreshed, not wrecked.
The A350 has adapted to the need for technology, utilising several efficient features. Throughout all cabins, free wifi will be offered, high-speed charging ports, and large screens with wireless audio capability. It will be one of the most spacious aircrafts flying, with the lowest seat count of any A350-1000 worldwide.
Premium Economy
With a spacious design and intuitive touchscreen capabilities, the Project Sunrise Premium Economy cabins will absolutely upgrade a travel experience. The seat itself has been engineered for long-form relaxations, offering a generous recline and curved headrest for redefined levels of comfort. Its multiple storage pockets offer the convenience of keeping your essentials close, whether you need tech storage, skin care or a place to store books, The extra space on the A350 allows for wider seats, more breathing room, and a calmer atmosphere, delivering an elevated sweet spot.
Business Class
Business Class will feature brand-new sliding doors for increased privacy, as well as a layout optimised for maximum comfort. This will include a touchscreen suite controller, a storage space, wireless charging and extra legroom, elevating business class even beyond its usual high standard. This option is perfect for the modern professional, travellers working on-the-go: your space never too cluttered, your devices never dying.
First Class
The perfect blend of productivity and indulgence, this premium ticket will offer ultimate comfort, with private suites, multiple storage areas, a 2-metre bed and a dining space for two. There will be added luxuries of a reclining arm chair, customisable lighting, a 32in entertainment touchscreen and a full-length wardrobe. Enjoy restaurant quality meals, host meetings, and get a restful night’s sleep.
Additionally, the service uses other science-backed methods to help reduce discomfort and jet lag. Qantas partnered with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to design a flight experience that actively reduces the impact flights have on your health. Lighting on the flight will align to circadian rhythms and time zones, helping you adjust to your destination before arrival. Well-scheduled meal timing and ergonomic design add extra support, as well as cabin pressure and humidity.
Thanks to Project Sunrise, Australian travellers will find flying to Europe and America far smoother than ever before. Perhaps we will see travellers returning to these popular spots thanks to the added convenience and comfort of these flights.
This incredibly exciting milestone will have long haul luxury travellers looking forward to the first flight of this innovative fleet. It marks the beginning of a completely new era of flying.
