Everything we know about Qantas’ Project Sunrise (so far)

The aircraft will begin flying from 2027.

Qantas’ Project Sunrise is set to change the way we fly. The program is designed to link Australia directly to just about anywhere on Earth, with no stopovers required. Think non-stop from Sydney to New York or Sydney to London. At the heart of this program is a fleet of ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000ULR jets, designed for flights lasting up to 20 hours with an unprecedented focus on space, comfort and wellness.

The world’s longest flights won’t take off until at least 2027, but here’s everything we know so far about Project Sunrise – and why it’s set to be a game-changer for long-haul travel.

A sneak peek at the future of flying

The business-class seats are 63.5 centimetres wide.

These are not your average A350s. Qantas has spent years designing its new fleet for comfort, style and wellness on flights that last up to 20 hours.

Onboard there are six ultra-luxe enclosed first-class suites in a 1-1-1 configuration that feel more like mini apartments, with 50 per cent more space than Qantas’ A380 first-class suites. They each have a two-metre-long flat bed, a separate 55-centimetre-wide recliner chair, a personal wardrobe and even a huge 81-centimetre entertainment screen with Bluetooth audio.

The 52 business-class suites are in a 1-2-1 configuration and come with privacy doors, a 63.5-centimetre-wide seat, which folds out into a two-metre-long flat bed, a cocktail and work surface, heaps of storage and a 45-centimetre entertainment screen, five centimetres larger than in the A380.

Premium economy and economy cabins are designed with extra space – because when you’re flying 20 hours non-stop, you’re going to need it. There are 40 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout with Qantas’ most spacious seat pitch at just over one metre! They also have a calf rest for full leg cradling and 20-centimetre winged headrests. The 140 economy seats are in a 3-3-3 layout with a roomy 83-centimetre seat pitch and feature six-way adjustable headrests and a personal device shelf.

The wellbeing zone: mid-flight yoga, anyone?

Qantas’ wellbeing zone is a world-first for commercial aviation.

But the jewel in the crown? A dedicated wellbeing zone – a world-first for commercial aviation – where passengers can stretch, move and hydrate with refresh stations designed to keep jet lag at bay. Yep, Qantas is literally building a mini in-flight gym.

Designed in partnership with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, this world-first inflight space, located between economy and premium economy, is all about reducing jet lag and promoting movement on long-haul flights.

Expect guided stretching and movement content on large screens, sculpted walls and handles to aid stretching exercises, and premium self-serve refreshments designed to keep you hydrated and moving faster.

Staying connected

There will be high-speed wi-fi throughout the plane, including economy.

Adding another layer of appeal, Qantas has confirmed that these new A350 jets will feature complimentary, high-speed wi-fi powered by the Viasat-3 satellite network. Unlike previous systems limited to domestic flights, this next-gen service will offer connectivity across international routes – even those long-haul hops over the Pacific.

So, when can we fly?

Enjoy one metre of legroom in premium economy.

The airline’s current plan is to take delivery of the first A350s in late 2026, with Project Sunrise flights starting sometime in 2027 or 2028. Once airborne, the globe-striding aircrafts will link Sydney directly with cities previously unreachable non-stop.

With just 238 passengers spread across four cabins, the A350s promise a spacious, private, and genuinely comfortable experience – even in economy. From full-sized beds in first-class to wi-fi fast enough to stream content in the middle of the Pacific, Qantas is betting big on making long-haul flights something to look forward to.