Qantas' plan to commence nonstop flights between London and Sydney in early 2027 has been delayed due to "supply chain issues," according to reports.
The Australian carrier had been due to take delivery of its first ultra-long-haul Airbus A350-1000 aircraft this October, with commercial flights planned for early next year.
Known as Project Sunrise, the customized A350s—which can fly nonstop for up to 22 hours, linking Sydney with both London and New York—are now expected to arrive in April 2027. The launch of commercial services will likely be postponed to the end of next year.
Qantas expects its delivery schedule to be back on track by November 2027, when a fifth Project Sunrise aircraft is due to arrive.
The carrier is expected to announce the updated launch date of its ultra-long-haul flights next month during an event at Airbus' Toulouse facility, according to the Australian Financial Review.
The A350s will accommodate 238 passengers across four cabins—first, business, premium economy and economy—with more than 40 percent of seats dedicated to premium travelers.
The aircraft will also feature a "wellbeing zone" located between the premium economy and economy cabins, offering stretch handles, guided exercise programs on screens, hydration stations and snacks.
First announced in 2017, Project Sunrise has faced a series of delays, initially due to the Covid-19 pandemic and later because of supply chain disruption affecting aircraft deliveries. Qantas ordered 12 A350-1000ULR in 2022, with commercial operations originally scheduled to begin in 2025.