Qantas unveils first images of history-making Airbus A350 that will fly for 22 hours

The ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000ULR will make aviation history by flying non-stop for 22 hours (Image: Qantas/Cover Images)

Australia's flag carrier Qantas has unveiled the first images of its revolutionary ultra-long-haul Airbus - the plane set to make aviation history by operating non-stop for 22 hours. The pioneering aircraft will link Sydney directly with London and New York from 2027, establishing a new world record for the longest commercial flight ever flown.

Currently under construction in Toulouse, France, the jet's primary sections - including the fuselage, wings and landing gear - have now been assembled. Qantas presented the breakthrough at its annual general meeting in Brisbane, calling the cutting-edge aircraft a "game-changer" for global travel.

The A350-1000ULR will form the centrepiece of Qantas's bold Project Sunrise programme, aimed at connecting Australia's eastern seaboard with major world cities without stopovers. Each journey will take up to 22 hours - cutting as much as four hours from existing one-stop routes.

The aircraft will shortly enter a specialist hangar for fitting of its engines and flight systems, ahead of commencing an extensive testing schedule in 2026. Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson described the achievement as a pivotal moment for the airline's international strategy.

"Given Australia's position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers. Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world," she said. "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."

Currently being assembled in Toulouse, France, the aircraft’s major components — including the fuselage, wings and landing gear — have already been joined (Image: Qantas/Cover Images)

The aircraft's record-breaking range is enabled by an additional 20,000-litre rear fuel tank and cutting-edge onboard systems, guaranteeing maximum endurance, comfort and safety. When Project Sunrise takes off in 2027, it will make possible what once seemed impossible - non-stop flights halfway across the globe.

To tackle the physical demands of such extended journeys, Qantas has joined forces with Australian designer David Caon and academics from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre. Their team, which includes sleep experts, created bespoke lighting sequences and meal scheduling approaches to help minimise jet lag.

An Airbus A350-1000 flight test aircraft at Sydney Airport in 2022 (Image: James D. Morgan, Getty Images)

Unlike the conventional A350-1000 aircraft, which accommodates more than 300 passengers, Qantas's model will transport just 238, offering travellers with greater personal space and introducing a new "Wellbeing Zone" between Premium Economy and Economy. The space will include stretch handles, guided exercise screens, a hydration station and light refreshments to keep passengers feeling refreshed throughout the flight.

Project Sunrise, named after Qantas's legendary "Double Sunrise" flights during World War II that stayed airborne long enough to witness two sunrises in a single journey, is set to push the boundaries of air travel once again with the new generation of aircraft.

In addition to this, the airline has announced the introduction of a new domestic travel class, Economy Plus. This upgrade, available for purchase from February, will offer extra legroom, priority boarding and dedicated overhead locker space, with top-tier frequent flyers receiving complimentary access.

The first of 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft is slated for delivery in late 2026, setting the stage for commercial operations to commence in early 2027. The teams at Qantas are "incredibly excited" about the project, hailing it as a "landmark moment for international aviation."