Qantas has announced a delay in the commencement of Project Sunrise, originally slated for 2025, now pushed to 2026. This ambitious project aims to establish direct routes from Australia to key destinations in the United States and Europe.

The setback stems from the need to redesign an additional fuel tank for its new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. This tank is crucial for extending the aircraft’s range to facilitate non-stop flights from Sydney to New York.

Confirmation of the delay came from the European manufacturer, which cited a request from the European civil aviation authority, EASA, for a new project to install the central fuel tank. This tank is essential for providing the widebody aircraft with sufficient autonomy for the proposed long-haul journeys.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson explained that the delivery dates for the first A350-1000 planes capable of these ultra-long-range flights have been postponed by approximately six months to mid-2026. qantas frequent flyer The redesign of the central fuel tank is pivotal for enabling the Project Sunrise mission.

Despite the delay, Hudson remains optimistic about the project’s overall success. She attributed the postponement to an extended certification process for the initial aircraft but expressed confidence in the timely delivery of the remaining 11 planes. Hudson highlighted the persistent demand for non-stop flights, citing the popularity of qantas australia’ existing Perth-London route and the newly introduced Perth-Paris service.

Hudson reassured stakeholders that the six-month delay does not compromise the viability of the project or its underlying business case. Qantas remains committed to realizing the vision of Project Sunrise and providing passengers with unparalleled travel options between Australia and key international destinations.