Airbus delays delivery of Qantas’ ultra-long-range A350 jets until 2027

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has once again postponed deliveries of the ultra-long-range A350-1000ULR aircraft ordered by Qantas for its ambitious Project Sunrise long-haul programme.

Qantas had ordered 12 specially modified aircraft from Airbus in 2022 to operate some of the world’s longest nonstop commercial flights, linking Australia directly with Europe and the United States, Spiegel reports. 

Airbus said the first aircraft deliveries are now expected to begin in April 2027, later than the previously projected timeline of late 2026. The company attributed the latest delay to ongoing supply chain challenges but did not provide further details.

The A350-1000ULR — short for Ultra Long Range — is designed for flights lasting up to 22 hours. The aircraft will feature an additional fuel tank capable of carrying around 20,000 liters of extra fuel, enabling nonstop routes such as Sydney–London and Sydney–New York.

Project Sunrise is Qantas’ flagship initiative aimed at launching direct long-haul services between Australia and major cities in Europe and North America. At present, most routes between Australia and those destinations require at least one stopover. The only current nonstop connection between Australia and the United Kingdom operates between Perth and London and takes approximately 18 hours.

Qantas is expected to conduct extensive test flights after receiving the aircraft before introducing regular commercial operations, meaning the launch of Project Sunrise services could face further delays.

Airbus noted that the postponement had largely been anticipated by the market and was already reflected in the company’s share price.

By Sabina Mammadli