Australian flag carrier Qantas has confirmed it will launch non-stop flights between Sydney and London in October 2027 using an Ultra long range variant off the Airbus A350.
Under the banner of Project Sunrise, Qantas is looking to make travel to Australia from long haul destinations like London easier and taking away the need for a stopover on the way.
Qantas confirmed the date as it unveiled its Airbus A350-1000ULR in the Qantas livery at the Airbus A350 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France.
Known as the Kangaroo Route, Qantas has been connecting London and Sydney since 1947 but current flights still require a stop on the way.
Qantas Group chief executive Vanessa Hudson said: “The pioneering spirit of generations of our people has forged that path ever since, and today is the most significant step in that mission in our 105-year history.” adding “Since we first flew the Kangaroo Route in 1947, where we stopped seven times on the way to London, every generation of aircraft has taken a stop out of the journey. Today, we’re taking out the last one,”
The Airbus A350-1000ULR has several modifications over the standard -1000 variants including an addition fuel tank holding 20,000 litres. This combined with an enhanced fuel management system gives the aircraft the range to fly non-stop for the 22 hour long flight.
It doesn’t just stop with the airframe though, project sunrise has also seen unique aspects go into the cabin design of the aircraft which are designed to combat fatigue and make ultra long haul travel comfortable and it will have 238 seats across four cabins including suites with beds and seats.
Qantas has ordered a total of 12 Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft which will be utilised on the flights between London and Sydney.
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