Qantas has offered a first glimpse of its first, specially configured plane that will fly Australians non-stop to London and New York in 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 will shortly be transferred to a new hangar where its engines and instruments will be installed for test flights in 2026.
Qantas 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 for the first time.
The 22-hour flights will cut up to four hours off total travel time compared to the current one-stop services.
The airline released the imagery ahead of its annual general meeting later on Friday in Brisbane.
“This is an aircraft that will change what’s possible when it comes to international point-to-point air travel,” chief executive Vanessa Hudson is set to tell shareholders, according to a copy of her speech lodged with the ASX.
“Our teams are incredibly excited for the arrival of the first aircraft late next year, a landmark moment for international aviation.”
There was also less positive news for the nation’s largest carrier.
Qantas said it expected its domestic revenue to grow by about three per cent in the first half, which is at the lower end of the guidance range it provided in August.
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 remains unchanged at two to three per cent growth, and its Qantas Loyalty program’s growth remains strong and on track.
Qantas also said Friday it would introduce a new cabin product on domestic and short-haul flights that will offer passengers extra leg-room, priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space.
Qantas Economy Plus will be available for purchase beginning in February, with high-level frequent flyers receiving complimentary access.