Qantas, one of the world’s leading airlines, is making history with the development of a new aircraft that will revolutionize long-haul travel. The Airbus A350-1000ULR, set to debut in the first half of 2027, will be able to fly for up to 22 hours straight without stopping.

This groundbreaking feat is a result of years of planning and development, with Qantas launching its “Project Sunrise” in 2017. The project aims to reduce the travel time between major cities like London and New York to Australia’s east coast, which currently takes over a week.

The Airbus A350-1000ULR has been specially adapted for ultra-long-range flights, with a 20,000-liter rear center fuel tank and other modifications. This will allow for nonstop flights that can encounter two separate dawns, as Qantas has aptly named its project.

Although the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner can already fly nonstop for up to 17 hours, reaching the other side of Australia’s coast has been deemed “aviation’s final frontier” by Qantas. However, with the A350-1000ULR, this barrier will finally be broken, reducing travel time by up to four hours.

The Covid-19 pandemic did cause some delays in the project, but Qantas has recently released new images and footage of the plane as it is being assembled at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, France. The fuselage was transported inside the unique Airbus Beluga cargo plane, before being driven into a hangar for the final assembly.

The aircraft will have a total of 238 seats, significantly less than other A350-1000s, to allow for a “Wellbeing Zone” between the premium economy and economy cabins. This zone, along with first-class suites, aims to improve the overall travel experience by minimizing jetlag and promoting passenger wellbeing.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has stated that the project will not only transform long-haul travel but also prioritize passenger comfort and health. The airline has ordered 12 of these aircraft, with the first expected to be delivered in October 2022.

In conclusion, Qantas’ Project Sunrise is set to make a major impact in the aviation industry, offering travelers faster and more comfortable options for long-haul flights. With its innovative design and cutting-edge technology, the Airbus A350-1000ULR is set to change the way we travel to and from Australia’s east coast.