Qantas’s first Project Sunrise plane will now be delayed until April 2027, marking a setback in the delivery of the aircraft central to the airline’s long-haul strategy.
Aircraft manufacturer Airbus has confirmed that supply chain related issues will delay the delivery of the first A350-1000 ULR, built specially for Qantas, until next year. The plane had been expected to start flying for Qantas in the first half of 2027.
“The first A350-1000ULR will now join the Qantas fleet in April 2027 (with further deliveries to follow in quick succession),” said a spokesperson for Airbus. “The adjustment to the schedule is largely due to the impact of supply chain issues.”
The first plane was originally to be delivered to Qantas by the end of 2026.
The Airbus plane, designed to fly 22-hours at a stretch, will unlock new flight possibilities for the airline, in a development keenly watched by the industry.
Qantas has made Project Sunrise the centrepiece of its long-haul strategy. It’s expected to purchase a fleet of 12 A350-1000s which will then fly from Australia’s east coast directly to New York and London.
Project Sunrise will allow passengers to bypass stopovers, and save up to four hours of travel time in the process. The prospect of 22-hour flights has become more commercially attractive since the Iran conflict began this year.
Project Sunrise, first announced in 2017, had an initial goal of launching by 2022 – which was delayed when COVID hit, and halted the aviation sector.
The first A350-1000ULR for delivery to Qantas has now entered the paint shop in Toulouse, Airbus said. “Over the next two weeks the aircraft will be painted with the airline’s full livery before work begins on the completion of the premium four-class layout and installation of engines.”
Qantas has been approached for comment.
More to come
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Chris Zappone is a senior reporter covering aviation and business. He is former digital foreign editor.Connect via X, Facebook or email.From our partners
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
