Qantas' First Airbus A350-1000ULR Takes Shape: A Look at Project Sunrise's Future Routes and Features
The aviation world is abuzz with the news that Qantas' highly anticipated Project Sunrise is taking shape. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize long-haul travel by connecting Australia's East Coast to London and New York nonstop. The first Airbus A350-1000ULR, MSN 707, is currently being assembled in Airbus's final assembly line in Toulouse, marking a significant milestone in the project's development.
But what sets this aircraft apart, and how will it shape the future of aviation? Let's dive in.
The A350-1000ULR: A Longer-Range Workhorse
The A350-1000ULR is designed to be the world's longest-range Airbus aircraft, with a new 322-tonne Maximum Takeoff Weight and a 5,283-gallon (20,000-liter) rear fuel tank. This fuel capacity, combined with enhanced software, will allow the plane to use more volume in the center fuel tank, enabling extended flight times. While the A350-900ULR lacks a rear fuel tank, the A350-1000ULR's design incorporates this feature, along with a deactivated forward cargo hold.
Project Sunrise: A Network of Ultra-Long-Haul Routes
Project Sunrise is a collective name for a new set of ultra-long-haul routes that will be launched by Qantas. The project has been in the works since 2017, and Qantas chose the A350-1000ULR over the Boeing 777X. The flagship route will be a nonstop route from Sydney to London Heathrow Airport, with plans to connect Melbourne to London and both cities to New York. The A350-1000ULR will also be deployed on the current route from Perth to London, displacing the Boeing 787-9.
Inside the A350-1000ULR: A Four-Class Layout
Qantas' A350-1000ULRs will feature a four-class layout, with a new first-class suite built by Safran, offering privacy doors and a separate bed. Behind first class will be 52 business class suites, followed by 40 premium economy seats. These seats will provide 13.3-inch screens, 40 inches of legroom, and privacy wings. Economy class will have 140 seats, arranged nine-abreast, with 13.3-inch screens and 33 inches of legroom.
The 'Wellbeing Zone': A Unique Feature
Qantas will also introduce a 'Wellbeing Zone' between the economy and premium economy cabins, offering self-serve refreshments, integrated handles for stretching, and guided wellbeing videos.
A Premium Experience: Replacing the A380
These planes will be some of Qantas's most premium, especially once the Airbus A380s are retired. The A350-1000ULR's introduction marks a significant step forward in Qantas' strategy to gain a competitive edge in the skies.
The Future of Project Sunrise
With the A350-1000ULR taking shape, Project Sunrise is set to become a reality in 2027. The project's success will depend on the initial routes' performance, and Qantas has stated that other cities may be added based on the success of these routes. As Qantas continues to innovate and expand its network, the aviation industry eagerly awaits the impact of Project Sunrise on the travel experience.
