Qantas flags delays in A350 deliveries as ‘Project Sunrise’ preparations takes shape

The first ultra-long-range A350 will be delivered in April 2027, instead of end-2026. 

Qantas has disclosed delivery delays for its first ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000, but stresses that plans for its ‘Project Sunrise’ flights remain “well underway”.

The delays – first reported by Bloomberg – shift the first delivery to April 2027, instead of the end-2026 timeline previously disclosed by the airline.

In a prepared statement, Qantas does not reveal the reason for the delays, but media reports point to ongoing supply chain challenges.

FlightGlobal understands that final preparations – including local regulatory approvals – are required in Australia before the A350-1000ULR can enter commercial service.

The first A350-1000ULR has completed final assembly and is undergoing painting, before kicking off two months of flight-testing in Toulouse. Pilot training is also going at Qantas’ A350 simulators in Sydney.

‘Project Sunrise’ refers to the Australian carrier’s plans to operate non-stop flights from the east coast of Australia to New York and London. Qantas in May 2022 ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs to operate these flights, which are expected to shave about 4h from the duration of current one-stop operations.

The carrier previously targeted to launch these flights in early 2027, but the latest delays push that timeline to the right. Nonetheless, Qantas confirms that it will announce its initial route and launch timeline in June.

The airline stresses that while its first A350 faces delays, it expects the next four aircraft to follow “in quick succession”. This means it will be back “on our original schedule” by November next year.

The A350s will feature a premium-heavy configuration, with an emphasis on being “designed around passenger comfort”, given the long hours of flight.

Features include a ‘wellbeing zone’ between the premium-economy and economy cabins, equipped with stretch handles and on-screen exercise programmes.