(May 25): Qantas Airways Ltd’s ultra-long-range Airbus SE A350s will be delayed, a setback to the airline’s plan to operate the world’s longest non-stop flights next year.
The first of 12 customised A350-1000s will arrive in April 2027, Airbus said Monday. Qantas had expected it by the end of 2026. Airbus blamed the delay “on supply chain issues”, but didn’t provide further details.
Qantas previously planned to start non-stop flights connecting Sydney with London and New York — dubbed Project Sunrise — in mid-2027. That timetable assumed delivery of the first A350 this year, and months of test flights.
In a separate statement Monday, Qantas said it expects the next four A350s to be delivered in quick succession, putting the delivery timetable back on schedule by November 2027. The airline didn’t say when the first commercial flight would take off.
“We continue to work closely with Airbus on the delivery and certification process that will enable us to begin operating these history-making ultra long-haul flights,” Qantas said.
Qantas ordered a dozen A350s in May 2022. They are equipped with an extra fuel tank to allow them to operate the 20-hour flights fully loaded and without stopping, with fuel in reserve.
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