Qantas’ “Project Sunrise” is an ambitious initiative aimed at introducing non-stop flights from the east coast of Australia to destinations such as Europe and the U.S. east coast. The project aims to significantly reduce point-to-point travel time, with flights lasting up to 20 hours non-stop.

1. 1. Qantas Historical Inspiration:

The word “Project Sunrise” is derived from the historical background of long-distance travel in World War II. Around that time, Qantas ran flights to Sri Lanka from Perth, which were dubbed “The Secret Order of the Double Sunrise.” The name and concept of the project originate from these 22-hour flights.

2. Flight Operation:

Boeing 787-9 aircraft will fly the flights under project sunrise. Two more pilots who have flown the aircraft to the departure city will be in the cabin and will rotate among the four pilots for the duration of the flight.

The aircraft will have an operating maximum fuel load of about 101,000 kg, and Qantas Flights International anticipates that there will be about 6,000 kg of fuel left after landing, giving it an extra 90 minutes of flight time.

3. Passenger Comfort and Well-being:

Qantas has a reputation for prioritizing passenger comfort. Features such as improved cabin design, enhanced in-flight entertainment, and innovations in seating arrangements may be part of the qantas Sunrise project to ensure a positive experience for passengers on long-haul journeys.

4. Project sunrise flights cost:

Project Sunrise flights will be priced more expensive by Qantas than regular routes. It is challenging to estimate the precise cost of these flights, but it is reasonable to assume that Project Sunrise Qantas flights will cost between 20% and 30% more than flights that take the same route with stops.

5. Unprecedented Connectivity:

Qantas is widely recognized for being the sole airline that offers service on all seven continents. Major airlines cover all of the continents, but Qantas goes one step further and connects even the most remote part of Antarctica.

The airline’s commitment to offering complete worldwide connectivity is demonstrated by this exceptional route.

6. Speed and Altitude: The Project Sunrise flights will travel at 85% of the speed of sound, reaching speeds of approximately 930 kilometers per hour. The cruising altitude will start at 36,000 feet and gradually increase to 40,000 feet as the aircraft’s weight decreases with fuel burn, showcasing the sophisticated planning involved in optimizing flight conditions.

7. Fuel Efficiency and Weight Distribution: A notable aspect of the project is the aircraft’s fuel efficiency, with a maximum fuel load of around 101,000kg. Nearly half of the total weight during take-off is attributed to fuel, underscoring the meticulous balance required for the aircraft to operate optimally.

8. Aircraft and Configuration:

Qantas has ordered 12 Airbus A350 aircraft specifically for Project Sunrise. These planes are configured to seat 238 passengers across four classes: First, Business, Premium, and Economy.

The decision to limit seating to 238 passengers, as opposed to the 300-plus layout of other carriers, allows for a more spacious and comfortable cabin interior.

9. Cabin Design Influenced by Research: The cabin interior of Project Sunrise flights is influenced by medical and scientific research conducted on research Qantas frequent flyer flights. This attention to design aims to enhance the flying experience and comfort during the extended flight durations.

10. Weight Distribution: Nearly half of the aircraft weight on take-off is attributed to fuel, highlighting the significant impact of fuel considerations on the overall weight of the aircraft. The remaining weight includes the aircraft itself, passengers, and baggage.