Behind the Scenes: Engineering for the Extreme
It all starts with the tried-and-true base of the classic A350-1000, but this is no ordinary clone. The new ULR features some serious tweaks: a beefed-up rear central fuel tank that holds an extra 5,300 gallons (that’s 20,000 liters—no running dry halfway across the Pacific, thank you), upgraded onboard systems, and aerodynamics fine-tuned for these marathon routes. The result? An aircraft that can gallop along at 560 mph (900 km/h) while making the most of its fuel, even on these epic journeys.
Fewer Seats, More Space: A Cabin for (Nearly) a Whole Day
Here’s the trade-off: to go further, the cabin capacity drops to just 238 seats (compared with more than 300 in the standard models). Fewer passengers, more space and fuel—this math is non-negotiable when you’re bridging the gap between Australia and the Northern Hemisphere. But Qantas and Airbus aren’t just thinking about distance; they’re out to make nearly one full day aloft something you can actually look forward to.
Working alongside experts from the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney and renowned industrial designer David Caon, they’re reimagining the onboard experience. Every detail of the cabin is being carefully adapted for ultra-long-haul flight—because when you’re in the sky for 22 hours, the bar for comfort is set high.
Wellbeing Zone: Taking Care, Mile After Mile
One of the most anticipated features is a dedicated Wellbeing Zone, nestled between Premium Economy and Economy. Here, passengers will find stretching bars, a hydration station, healthy snacks, and guided exercise programs running on a central screen. It’s all about fighting off that boxed-in feeling and making jet lag less of a nemesis. The focus doesn’t stop there: cabin lighting and meal schedules will be synchronized to help your body clock adjust, rather than turning it upside down after a day in the air.
Coming Soon: The Dawn of the Direct-Flight Era
According to Airbus, the major sections of the fuselage—the front, center, and rear—are already assembled. Engines and testing instruments will follow in the coming months. Next up: a round of flight tests in 2026 and, if all goes to plan, delivery at the end of next year.
Qantas intends to operate a fleet of twelve of these game-changers. They’ll fly routes as part of « Project Sunrise, » linking Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane with London and New York directly. The first commercial flight is slated for the first half of 2027.
But this isn’t just about setting new distance records. The project marks a bigger shift in aviation—a return to non-stop, ultra-long-haul travel, at a time when comfort and energy efficiency aren’t just bonuses, but must-haves.
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John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
