Qantas has been raising excitement about direct non-stop flights between Sydney and London, dubbed 'Project Sunrise,' for what feels like an eternity. Originally planned to kick off in 2025, the launch date got pushed to 2026 due to delays in aircraft construction and bespoke interior manufacturing for their ordered Airbus A350-1000s. Now, the airline anticipates its first A350-1000 delivery by late 2026, postponing Project Sunrise until early 2027 due to the need for at least three planes to sustain ultra-long-haul flights.

While the wait for Project Sunrise continues, Qantas has divulged a surprising tidbit – the inaugural destination for its first A350-1000 will not be London, but rather Auckland, New Zealand. This strategic move mirrors industry norms where new aircraft types are often deployed on shorter routes initially to acclimate crews and operational teams. For Qantas, the trans-Tasman flights to Auckland will serve as invaluable training sessions for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff before embarking on the coveted London services.

When Qantas finally ushers in its A350-1000s in 2026, passengers can look forward to cutting-edge cabin designs that promise to redefine ultra-long-haul travel. The aircraft will boast a premium layout accommodating a modest 238 passengers across four classes: six first-class suites, 52 lie-flat business seats, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats – a departure from the usual high-density configurations prevalent in the industry.

In a bid to enhance passenger comfort, Qantas will equip its A350-1000s with amenities like high-speed internet access at every seat and a dedicated wellness zone for mid-flight stretching. With its extended range capabilities, thanks to added fuel tanks, the A350-1000 sets the stage for the world's longest commercial flights.

As Qantas gears up for the much-anticipated Project Sunrise, enthusiasts eagerly anticipating this groundbreaking venture can look forward to the Auckland interlude before the airline's A350-1000s take to the skies for those record-setting flights.