Qantas will begin non-stop flights from Sydney to London within 18 months, according to a bold claim from the airline’s chief executive.
Project Sunrise airfares are set to go on sale in February, but recent delays from Airbus could throw a spanner in the works.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Qantas unveils aircraft for non-stop London flights
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For the first time in Qantas colours, the aircraft designed to break non-stop flying records has been revealed at the French Airbus factory in Toulouse.
Qantas has chosen the original Kangaroo Route destination as its first Project Sunrise city – Sydney to London.
Fresh out of the paint shop, the aircraft’s engines aren’t yet fitted. One plane is the first of 12 for Qantas, named Vega after a navigational star.
Once the airline has three A350s, Project Sunrise flights can start in October next year.
“This is a very significant day. We’re really excited and it’s a really, really proud moment,” Airbus’ Joost Van Der Heijden said.
Qantas invited media to Toulouse along with analysts and investors, claiming the non-stop 20-plus hour flights to London and eventually New York give it a competitive edge.
However, the flights will also be at least 20 per cent more expensive than current routes.
When asked whether Project Sunrise risks being only for wealthy travellers or will be accessible to everyday Australians, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson said: “We will be not seeing more of a premium than what we’re currently getting today on Perth to London.”
What makes this A350 unique compared to the hundreds of others already flying is the enormous fuel tank under its belly. The Qantas version carries an additional 20,000 litres, giving it almost 2000 kilometres of extra range.
Airbus recently delayed the project again, pushing out the timeline by about six months. Slow supply chains have been blamed on labour shortages.
Despite the setbacks, Hudson remains optimistic: “We’ve got a lot of confidence in them. We’ve got a lot of confidence in this aircraft.”