Engine Installation Marks Key Milestone for Ultra-Long-Haul Program
TOULOUSE — Qantas Airways has reached a visible milestone in its ambitious Project Sunrise program, with its first Airbus A350-1000ULR spotted fitted with engines at the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France.
The aircraft, carrying test registration F-WZNK and manufacturer serial number MSN 707, was seen equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines on the apron at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. The jet represents the first of up to 12 ultra-long-range widebodies ordered by the airline as part of its push to operate the world’s longest nonstop commercial flights.
Qantas expects delivery of the aircraft by the end of 2026, with plans to launch nonstop services linking Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport with both London Heathrow Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Project Sunrise Moves Closer to Reality
First announced in 2017, Project Sunrise is designed to connect Australia’s east coast directly with Europe and North America’s eastern seaboard, eliminating the need for intermediate stopovers. The initiative has been central to Qantas’ long-term international strategy, positioning the airline at the forefront of ultra-long-haul travel.
The carrier formalized its commitment in 2022 with an order for up to 12 Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, selecting the type for its extended range and efficiency, powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
Assembly of MSN 707 began in November 2025, and the aircraft has now progressed to engine installation and ground testing at Airbus’ Toulouse facility. Once operational, the aircraft will remove the need for transit stops such as Auckland Airport, which is currently used on Qantas’ New York services.
The A350-1000ULR measures 242 feet (73.7 meters) in length and features a wingspan of 212 feet. It has a maximum cruise speed of approximately Mach 0.85, or around 652 mph (1,049 km/h). At that speed, flights from Sydney to New York are expected to take roughly 22 hours, while Sydney to London services will range between 20 and 22 hours, setting new benchmarks for commercial aviation endurance.
Cabin Design Focuses on Premium Demand and Passenger Wellbeing
Qantas has configured the aircraft with 238 seats across four classes, including six First Class seats, 52 Business Class seats, 40 Premium Economy seats, and 140 Economy seats. Notably, more than 40% of the cabin is allocated to premium seating, reflecting a strategy to target high-yield travelers on ultra-long-haul routes.
The airline has collaborated with design firm Caon Design, chef Neil Perry, and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to enhance the onboard experience. A dedicated Wellbeing Zone will allow passengers to move, stretch, and perform light exercises during flights, while also offering snacks and refreshments.
Lighting systems featuring 12 different modes—including Sunrise, Sunset, and Awake—are designed to help passengers adjust to destination time zones and mitigate jet lag. The aircraft will also offer WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity across all cabins, enabling passengers to integrate personal devices with seatback entertainment systems.
Fleet Expansion Supports Long-Term Network Strategy
Beyond the A350-1000ULR program, Qantas has a broader fleet renewal strategy underway. The airline currently has 24 A350-1000 aircraft on order in total, underscoring its long-term investment in next-generation widebody aircraft.
Qantas has also begun introducing the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet, with four aircraft already in operation and 44 more on order. The narrowbody jet is currently deployed on domestic routes connecting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and is expected to begin international service between Brisbane and Manila later this year.
The airline’s existing widebody fleet includes Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft, Airbus A380-800s, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, alongside a large fleet of Boeing 737-800 narrowbody jets. Additional Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 deliveries remain on order.
As more A350-1000ULR aircraft enter service, industry observers expect Qantas to expand its ultra-long-haul network beyond London and New York, potentially adding new destinations across Europe and North America.
The progress of MSN 707 signals that Project Sunrise is moving from concept to reality, positioning Qantas to redefine the economics and passenger experience of long-distance air travel.
