Qantas Delays First Project Sunrise A350 to April 2027

Qantas Project Sunrise A350 Delivery Slips to 2027

Qantas’ flagship Project Sunrise has hit another delay, with the first Airbus A350‑1000ULR now scheduled to join the fleet in April 2027 instead of later this year. Airbus has attributed the revised timeline primarily to ongoing supply chain challenges impacting A350 production, which have also affected other carriers.

Despite the setback, both Airbus and Qantas say the program remains firmly on track operationally, with the first aircraft progressing through final assembly and testing in Toulouse.

Why the First A350 Is Delayed

Airbus had originally planned to deliver Qantas’ first Project Sunrise A350‑1000ULR by late 2026, following earlier target dates that already slid from the initial vision of a mid‑decade debut. The manufacturer has now confirmed that delivery is pushed to April 2027, citing supply chain disruptions that continue to ripple through its widebody lines.

These issues have also affected subsequent airframes, with Qantas acknowledging that later deliveries have moved but should be back on the original cadence by November 2027.

Final Assembly and Flight Testing in Toulouse

Even with the delay, the first A350‑1000ULR for Qantas has rolled off the main assembly line at Airbus’ Toulouse facility and is now in the final build phase. The aircraft has already been moved into the paint shop, where it is being finished in full Qantas livery before engineers complete the premium four‑class cabin and install the Rolls‑Royce Trent XWB engines.

Airbus and Qantas expect initial test flights to begin within weeks, kicking off a roughly two‑month flight test program focused heavily on the modified fuel system that will enable flights of up to 21–22 hours. These trials will validate the extra 20,000‑litre rear centre tank and other systems that distinguish the ultra‑long‑range variant from standard A350‑1000s.

Training, Routes and Launch Timeline

Qantas insists that, although the airframe handover has slipped, the broader Project Sunrise timeline is still moving forward. Pilot training on the new type is already underway in Sydney using a dedicated A350 simulator, allowing crews to build experience well ahead of entry into service.

The airline has ordered 12 A350‑1000ULRs to operate non‑stop flights from Australia’s east coast to New York and London, with the ultra‑long‑haul network now expected to launch in the second half of 2027. Qantas has indicated it will announce the first Sunrise route and its revised inaugural flight date once the flight‑test phase is underway.

What Project Sunrise Means for Travellers

When they finally enter service, Qantas’ Project Sunrise A350s will be able to operate non‑stop sectors of up to around 22 hours between Sydney or other east‑coast hubs and destinations such as New York JFK and London Heathrow. By eliminating stopovers in Asia or the Middle East, the airline expects to cut total journey times by as much as four hours on these routes.

To support flights of that length, Qantas has opted for a low‑density, 238‑seat layout featuring six First suites, 52 Business suites, 40 Premium Economy seats and 140 Economy seats, plus a dedicated Wellbeing Zone where passengers can stretch, move and access refreshments during the journey.