Qantas Airways and Airbus are developing a specialized aircraft to fly nonstop between Sydney and London in approximately 22 hours [1].

This initiative, known as Project Sunrise, represents a significant shift in long-haul aviation by eliminating the need for stopovers on one of the world's longest routes. The ability to connect these two global hubs directly could reshape international travel patterns and business logistics.

The effort centers on the Airbus A350-1000ULR, an ultra-long-range version of the A350 aircraft designed specifically for these extreme distances [3]. According to reports, the flight will cover a distance of 10,000 miles [3].

Progress on the project reached a milestone earlier this month. The first test flight for the aircraft was completed on June 2, 2026 [5]. This trial serves as a critical validation of the aircraft's fuel capacity and endurance required for the grueling journey.

Qantas plans to launch the commercial service in October 2027 [3]. While some reports describe the timeline as October of next year [1], the 2027 date aligns with the specific projections for the aircraft's rollout [3].

To make the 22-hour [1] journey viable for passengers, the aircraft's interior is being redesigned. The project focuses on reducing the physical and mental toll of ultra-long-haul travel, a necessity for flights that essentially span a full day of travel time.

Airbus and Qantas have worked in partnership to modify the A350-1000ULR to meet these specific requirements [3]. The collaboration aims to prove that the aircraft can maintain safety and efficiency over the 10,000-mile [3] stretch without refueling.

“The flight will cover a distance of 10,000 miles.”

The successful implementation of Project Sunrise would signal a new era of 'point-to-point' global connectivity, potentially reducing the reliance on traditional transit hubs like Singapore or Dubai. By leveraging the A350-1000ULR's range, Qantas is attempting to capture a premium market of travelers willing to trade a long, continuous flight for the convenience of avoiding layovers.