Qantas (ASX: QAN) has reached an important milestone in its Project Sunrise programme after a specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR completed a non-stop test flight from Toulouse, France, to Melbourne.
The aircraft landed in Melbourne on Friday, July 24, after flying for about 19 hours and 12 minutes and covering nearly 17,000 kilometres. Around 75,000 people reportedly watched the landing live on Flightradar24, while the flight attracted almost three million follows overall.
The successful journey does not mean Project Sunrise has completed certification. However, it shows that testing is progressing as Qantas prepares to launch direct flights between Sydney and London in October 2027.
What Was Qantas Testing?
The aircraft that landed in Melbourne is an Airbus test plane used in the certification programme. It is not Vega, the first completed Project Sunrise aircraft that will be delivered to Qantas.
Four Airbus test pilots and five flight-test engineers were on board. They tested the aircraft’s systems, including a redesigned fuel system and an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank. The extra fuel capacity allows the A350-1000ULR to operate commercial flights lasting up to 22 hours.
The aircraft completed its first flight on June 2, 2026. Airbus has continued conducting ground and flight testing since then.
The first aircraft in full Qantas colours, named Vega, is scheduled to be delivered in April 2027.
Why Project Sunrise Matters
Project Sunrise is designed to connect Australia’s east coast directly with major international cities.
Qantas plans to begin daily non-stop flights between Sydney and London in October 2027, subject to aircraft certification and regulatory approvals. Tickets are expected to go on sale in February 2027. Sydney to New York has been confirmed as the next route, although its launch date has not yet been announced.
Qantas says the Sydney-to-London service could save passengers up to four hours compared with the fastest current one-stop journey.
The airline has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft. Each plane will carry only 238 passengers across First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy, giving the aircraft the lowest seat density of any A350-1000 in service.
What Does It Mean for Investors?
For investors, the test flight reduces some of the technical uncertainty surrounding Project Sunrise. It provides evidence that the specially modified aircraft can complete an extremely long journey while its systems are being tested under real flight conditions.
Qantas has estimated that its A350 growth aircraft and Project Sunrise operations could together generate more than A$400 million in additional annual earnings before interest and tax in the first full year after all 12 aircraft are operating. This is a company target rather than a guaranteed result.
The direct routes could help Qantas attract premium travellers who are willing to pay more to avoid a stopover. They could also strengthen the airline’s position on important international routes that competitors cannot easily copy.
However, risks remain. Aircraft delivery delays, certification problems, high fuel prices and weaker premium travel demand could affect the project’s returns. Qantas must also prove that enough passengers will pay higher fares for ultra-long non-stop flights.
The Melbourne test flight does not guarantee commercial success. It does, however, show that Project Sunrise is moving closer to becoming a real service rather than simply an ambitious plan.
