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Qantas has released the “first images” of its specially configured plane that will fly Australians non-stop from Sydney to London and New York from 2027.
The A350-1000ULR is on the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse, France, with its fuselage sections, wings and landing gear now attached, the airline said on Friday.
The aircraft would soon be transferred to a new hangar where its engines and instruments would be installed for test flights in 2026, Qantas said.
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The carrier has ordered a dozen of the planes for “project sunrise” – its plan to connect Australia’s east coast with London and New York via non-stop flights.
The 22-hour flights will cut up to four hours off the total travel time compared to the current one-stop services.
The airline released the imagery on Friday to coincide with its annual general meeting in Brisbane. Images of the cabin have been released previously.
“This is an aircraft that will change what’s possible when it comes to international point-to-point air travel,” Qantas’s chief executive, Vanessa Hudson, said in an advance copy of her speech to shareholders.
“Our teams are incredibly excited for the arrival of the first aircraft late next year, a landmark moment for international aviation.”
Qantas has been flying direct from Perth, on Australia’s west coast, to London using Boeing Dreamliners since 2018.
Qantas said on Friday it expected its domestic revenue to grow by about 3% in the first half, which is at the lower end of the guidance range it provided in August.
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While demand for leisure travel remained strong, businesses outside the resource sector were flying less than it had expected, the company said.
Its forecast for international revenue remained unchanged at 2-3% growth, while its Qantas loyalty program growth remained strong and on track.
Qantas said on Friday it would introduce a new cabin product on domestic and short-haul flights that would offer passengers extra leg-room, priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space.
Qantas Economy Plus would be available for purchase beginning in February, with high-level frequent flyers receiving complimentary access.
