Qantas A350 Test Flight: New Routes To London, New York Delayed

The first A350-1000ULR for Qantas' Project Sunrise flew for almost four hours. This is a key step for non-stop flights from Australia to New York and London.
By Newsroom | Aviation, Australia |

The first Airbus A350-1000ULR, earmarked for Qantas' Project Sunrise, successfully completed its initial test flight on Tuesday, undertaking a nearly four-hour aerial survey over France and its Atlantic coast. This flight marks a critical juncture in the airline's pursuit of ultra-long-haul routes, aiming to connect Australia's east coast with New York and London through non-stop services of up to 22 hours. The aircraft, currently in a test configuration without Qantas livery or cabin furnishings, is slated for approximately 80 hours of flight testing and rigorous on-ground assessments over the next two months.

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The delivery timeline for Qantas' first Project Sunrise aircraft has seen adjustments, with the plane now anticipated to reach Australian shores in April of next year. This delay, attributed partly to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent regulatory reviews concerning the aircraft's extended fuel tank, impacts the airline's ambitious schedule. In response to these staggered deliveries, premium carriers, including Qantas, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines, are reportedly investing in significant cabin retrofits for their existing fleets.

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The maiden flight's primary objective was the validation of core aircraft systems, with a particular emphasis on the specialised fuel setup designed to facilitate these unprecedented flight durations. This includes an additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank. Qantas is expected to announce the inaugural Project Sunrise route and the timing of commercial services later this month. Meanwhile, a second Project Sunrise A350 is reportedly progressing through Airbus' final assembly line.

Project Background and Industry Context

Project Sunrise, an initiative Qantas has nurtured for nearly a decade, aims to redefine long-haul air travel from Australia. The program, initially conceived before the global health crisis, faced pauses and subsequent recommencement. The selection of the Airbus A350-1000ULR was a significant step, with an order placed for 12 of the specialised aircraft.

The pursuit of ultra-long-haul flights is an evolving frontier in commercial aviation. The current longest scheduled non-stop flights globally involve routes like Singapore to New York JFK, exceeding 9,500 miles. Qantas' proposed Sydney to London Heathrow service would span over 10,500 miles, representing a substantial leap in non-stop intercontinental capability. The aviation industry, globally, has been navigating fleet planning complexities exacerbated by the pandemic and evolving technological and regulatory landscapes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened during the first flight of Qantas' new Airbus A350-1000ULR on Tuesday?
The plane flew for almost four hours over France and the Atlantic coast to test its main systems. This is a step towards Qantas' goal of flying non-stop from Australia to New York and London.
Q: When will Qantas' first Project Sunrise plane arrive in Australia?
The plane is now expected to arrive in Australia in April of next year. This is later than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic and checks on the aircraft's fuel system.
Q: What are Project Sunrise's goals for Qantas?
Project Sunrise aims to start non-stop flights from Australia's east coast to New York and London. These flights could take up to 22 hours, making them some of the longest in the world.
Q: Why is the A350-1000ULR special for Qantas?
This plane has a special extra fuel tank that holds 20,000 litres. This allows it to fly for very long periods without stopping, which is needed for the ultra-long-haul routes Qantas wants to offer.
Q: What is the current longest flight Qantas is planning?
Qantas plans to fly from Sydney to London Heathrow, which is over 10,500 miles. This is longer than the current longest flights in the world, like Singapore to New York.