We look at the latest developments for Qantas’ Project Sunrise, including a new first-class lounge in London and the purchase of 12 Airbus A350-1000s.
Qantas recorded a multi-billion-dollar surplus in February; with that, the carrier looks to be doubling down on its investment into the long-awaited ‘Project Sunrise’. Until the pandemic grounded all flights, the Australian flag carrier was one of only a few that generated more than the cost of its ongoing capital spending.
After losing over AU$7 billion ($4.78 billion) due to international and state border closures during the pandemic’s peak. The Qantas Group, which includes low-cost carrier Jetstar, reported a half-year underlying profit before tax of AU$1.43 billion ($975.6 million), a record.
In conjunction with the announcement of the airline’s record profit, CEO Alan Joyce revealed that the airline would invest roughly AU$2.7 billion ($1.84 billion) in capital investment, with a major portion earmarked for more aircraft. Onboard, you will have an unequaled experience.
The Airbus A350-1000, which will serve as the backbone of Project Sunrise, will allow for one-way travel between Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) or Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport (MEL) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or London Heathrow (LHR). The ‘kangaroo route’ has been transformed from a multi-stop adventure to a one-flight delight.
According to the airline, its reinvented onboard experience comprises first class, a lie-flat bed, a reclining lounge chair in a 1-1-1 arrangement, or business class seats with full privacy behind sliding doors. The Airbus A350-1000 is designed to carry up to 238 passengers in Qantas’ envisaged configuration, a far cry from Airbus’ maximum capacity of 480 in a one-class configuration. Qantas expects a new plane every three weeks thanks to a large contract with Airbus for over 300 narrowbodies and 12 widebodies.
The 12 widebodies on order will eventually constitute the backbone of Project Sunrise, with the Airbus A350-1000 being the preferred aircraft for direct flights to New York or London.
London Investment
Qantas is investing AU$100 million (US$68.82 million) in various lounge enhancements, including a brand-new first-class lounge at London Heathrow. Qantas’ new first class lounge at Heathrow (LHR) is scheduled to debut in late 2025, making it the first of its kind on European soil. Qantas’ other four first-class lounges are located at Los Angeles, Melbourne, Singapore, and Sydney.
The International Lounge, which Qantas now operates in Heathrow Terminal 3, will be joined by the new first-class facility, which will serve the large number of premium guests flying on Project Sunrise flights. About London’s newest lounge, airline CEO Joyce stated:
“London is one of our most important destinations, and it’s an ideal place for a First Lounge, especially with Project Sunrise flights on the way.”
