Qantas Project Sunrise Test Flight: 2026 Results, Flight Time, Routes & A350 Details 

Qantas Project Sunrise is the airline’s plan to operate the world’s longest nonstop commercial flights, connecting Sydney and London Heathrow in approximately 19–20 hours aboard a custom Airbus A350-1000ULR. Commercial services launch in October 2027. Tickets go on sale in February 2027. Sydney–New York follows shortly after.

On July 23, 2026, an Airbus A350-1000ULR departed Toulouse, France and landed in Melbourne nearly 19 hours later without a single stop. No passengers. No layover. Just data, jet fuel, and proof that one of aviation’s last great frontiers is genuinely within reach.

That aircraft, serial number MSN 707, is the first of 12 custom-built jets Qantas has ordered for Project Sunrise. The commercial debut on the Sydney–London Heathrow route is set for October 2027 and it will eliminate the last remaining stop on a route Qantas has been flying, in one form or another, since 1947.

Here’s everything you need to know: the aircraft, the routes, the seat map, pricing, the passenger experience, baggage expectations, and how it stacks up against the longest flights operating today.

What Is Project Sunrise Qantas?

Project Sunrise is Qantas’s program to operate daily nonstop flights between Australia’s east coast and London and New York using specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. The program eliminates the last stopover on the historic “Kangaroo Route,” cutting up to four hours from current one-stop itineraries via Singapore or Perth.

Qantas first flew the Kangaroo Route in 1947. That original journey took four days and required seven stops Darwin, Singapore, Calcutta, Karachi, Cairo, Castel Benito, and Rome before reaching London. With each generation of aircraft, one stop was removed. Project Sunrise removes the last one.

“Since we first flew the Kangaroo Route in 1947, where we stopped seven times on the way to London, every generation of aircraft has taken a stop out of the journey,” said Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson. “Today, we’re taking out the last one.”

According to research commissioned by Qantas, 70% of Australians surveyed said they intend to book nonstop long-haul flights rising to 80% among premium travelers.

What Just Happened? The July 23, 2026 Test Flight Explained

The July 23, 2026 Toulouse-to-Melbourne flight was a critical certification test for the A350-1000ULR, lasting approximately 19 hours nonstop. It validated the aircraft’s fuel systems, handling characteristics, and range capabilities across hemispheres bringing the plane one step closer to Qantas delivery.

This was not the aircraft’s first flight. That milestone occurred on June 2, 2026, when MSN 707 lifted off from Toulouse and flew for 3 hours and 43 minutes over France and the French Atlantic coast to test primary systems.

The July 23 mission was far more demanding. Airbus engineers used it to analyze fuel performance, system behavior, and aircraft handling on an authentic ultra-long-haul sector essentially the same distance and duration the jet will face in commercial service.

The aircraft touched down in Melbourne on July 24, 2026, marking the first time an A350-1000ULR has landed in Australia. A second Project Sunrise aircraft is progressing through Airbus’s final assembly line and is scheduled for delivery to Qantas in April 2027.

Where Will Project Sunrise Fly To? Qantas Project Sunrise Destinations

Project Sunrise will initially fly between Sydney and London Heathrow from October 2027, with Sydney–New York confirmed as the second route. Launch timing for New York will be announced in 2027. The flights will operate daily and run alongside Qantas’s existing Perth–London and Sydney–Singapore–London services.

A key content gap in most competitor articles: Qantas has also confirmed a series of trans-Tasman familiarisation flights between Sydney and Auckland in early 2027, allowing crews to gain experience on the A350 before the full commercial launch. These are not Project Sunrise routes per se, but they are part of the rollout.

Around 20% of Sydney–London services are also expected to use a north polar routing during the Northern Hemisphere winter to optimize journey times a detail largely absent from other coverage.

What Is the Project Sunrise Flight Time?

The Qantas Project Sunrise flight time from Sydney to London Heathrow is estimated at approximately 19–20 hours nonstop. The A350-1000ULR is certified to remain airborne for up to 22 hours, covering more than 16,000 kilometers (approximately 10,000 nautical miles) on a single tank of fuel.

Project Sunrise cuts up to four hours off current one-stop Sydney–London itineraries, which route via Singapore or Perth with a layover.

What Is a Project Sunrise Test Aircraft?

The Project Sunrise test aircraft is Airbus A350-1000 MSN 707 the first of 12 custom-built A350-1000ULR jets ordered by Qantas. It is fitted with a specialist 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank, enabling nonstop flights of up to 22 hours. As of July 2026, MSN 707 is mid-way through an intensive flight-test and certification campaign.

Key engineering specifications that competitors have underreported:

• Extra fuel capacity: A dedicated 20,000-litre fourth fuel tank fitted at the rear
• Total range: More than 16,000 km / approximately 10,000 nautical miles
• Fuel efficiency: Approximately 25% lower fuel burn than previous-generation long-haul aircraft
• New cooling system: A lighter, more efficient galley air cooling system set to roll out across future Airbus A350 aircraft globally
• Certification scope: Approximately 80 hours of flight testing total, plus extensive on-ground checks

What Does the Qantas A350 ULR Seat Map Look Like?

The Qantas A350-1000ULR seat map features 238 seats across four cabins: 6 First Class suites in a 1-1-1 layout, 52 doored Business Class suites in a 1-2-1 layout, 40 Premium Economy recliners in a 2-4-2 layout, and 140 Economy seats. The cabin is intentionally premium-heavy, with more than half the aircraft dedicated to First, Business, and Premium Economy.

For context, a standard Airbus A350-1000 operated by other airlines typically seats between 350 and 400 passengers. Qantas has removed roughly 150 seats to maximize range and passenger comfort for flights lasting up to 22 hours.

What Will a Qantas Project Sunrise Economy Seat Feel Like?

Qantas Project Sunrise economy seats offer more legroom than Qantas’s current A380 and Boeing 787 economy cabins. Economy passengers also have access to the dedicated Wellbeing Zone a stand-and-stretch area located between the Premium Economy and Economy sections designed to reduce the physical strain of a 20-hour flight.

Economy cabin highlights on the A350-1000ULR:

• More legroom than Qantas A380 and 787 economy configurations
• Wellbeing Zone access: A dedicated space to stand, stretch, and move around
• Jet lag mitigation: Cabin lighting programs and meal timing developed in collaboration with sleep scientists
• Air quality: The A350’s composite fuselage enables higher cabin humidity and lower cabin altitude versus older aircraft

A content gap worth noting: Qantas has worked explicitly with sleep scientists to develop lighting sequences, meal timing schedules, and cabin conditions tailored to combat jet lag specifically on sub-24-hour ultra-long-haul flights. This isn’t generic “mood lighting” it’s a structured, science-backed protocol.

How Much Will Project Sunrise Cost? Pricing and Award Redemptions

Qantas has indicated Project Sunrise cash fares will be priced at approximately 20% above current one-stop Sydney–London services, according to Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace. For Qantas Frequent Flyers, one-way Classic Reward pricing has been confirmed at 58,900 points (economy) to 227,800 points (first class).

Tickets go on sale in February 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and aircraft certification. Award seat availability is expected to be limited, particularly in premium cabins.

What Are the Expected Baggage Allowances for Project Sunrise Flights?

Qantas has not yet published dedicated baggage rules for Project Sunrise. Based on Qantas’s current long-haul international policies and the premium-focused nature of the route the following is expected to apply:

• Economy: Standard Qantas international checked baggage allowance
• Premium Economy, Business, and First: Enhanced allowances consistent with Qantas’s current premium long-haul tiers
• Carry-on: Standard Qantas cabin baggage rules apply across all cabins

Official baggage policy will be confirmed closer to the February 2027 ticket sale date.

What’s Next for Project Sunrise After Sydney–London?

The Sydney–London October 2027 debut is only the beginning. Sydney–New York is confirmed as the second Project Sunrise route, with the launch date expected to be announced in 2027. Over time, Qantas may also route Project Sunrise aircraft through Melbourne, with the Perth–London route currently operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners a longer-term candidate for A350-1000ULR service.

By the time all 12 aircraft enter service, Qantas plans to have trained more than 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew members. As of June 2026, 40 pilots drawn from Qantas’s A330 fleet were already training on simulators in Sydney, with additional programs at British Airways in the UK and Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Qantas Project Sunrise flight time from Sydney to London?
The Sydney to London Heathrow nonstop flight time is estimated at approximately 19 to 20 hours. The A350-1000ULR can remain airborne for up to 22 hours, covering more than 16,000 km on a single fuel load.

When does Qantas Project Sunrise launch commercially?
Qantas Project Sunrise launches commercially in October 2027 on the Sydney–London Heathrow route. Tickets go on sale in February 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.

What aircraft does Qantas use for Project Sunrise?
Qantas Project Sunrise uses the Airbus A350-1000ULR a specially modified ultra-long-range variant fitted with an additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank. Qantas has ordered 12 of these aircraft.

How many seats does the Qantas Project Sunrise A350 have?
The Qantas A350-1000ULR has 238 seats across four cabins: 6 First Class, 52 Business Class, 40 Premium Economy, and 140 Economy. A standard A350-1000 typically seats 350–400 passengers.

How does Project Sunrise compare to Singapore Airlines’ SIN-JFK, currently the world’s longest flight?
Singapore Airlines SQ22 (Singapore–New York) covers approximately 15,350 km in around 18–19 hours. The Qantas Sydney–London Project Sunrise route covers approximately 17,200 km in 19–20 hours, making it longer by both distance and duration.

What was the purpose of the July 23, 2026 Toulouse-to-Melbourne test flight?
The flight was a certification test mission for A350-1000ULR MSN 707. Airbus engineers used the ~19-hour flight to validate fuel systems performance, aircraft handling, and range data under real ultra-long-haul conditions.

How much will Project Sunrise tickets cost?
Cash fares are expected to be approximately 20% above current one-stop Sydney–London services. Qantas Frequent Flyer Classic Reward pricing ranges from 58,900 points (economy, one-way) to 227,800 points (first class, one-way).

Will Project Sunrise flights be available to book with Qantas Points?
Yes. Qantas confirmed that Project Sunrise flights will be bookable using Qantas Points via the Classic Reward chart. Award availability is expected to be competitive, especially in Business and First Class.

Does Project Sunrise have an economy class?
Yes. The A350-1000ULR includes 140 economy seats with more legroom than Qantas’s current A380 and 787 economy cabins. Economy passengers also have access to the dedicated Wellbeing Zone for stretching during the flight.

Will Project Sunrise flights operate from Melbourne as well as Sydney?
The confirmed launch route is Sydney–London Heathrow. Sydney–New York is the next confirmed destination. Melbourne-to-London services via the A350-1000ULR fleet have been discussed for later in the program, but no official launch date has been set.