Qantas Sets 2027 Launch for World's Longest Commercial Flights, and More

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Qantas Pushes Project Sunrise Launch to 2027 Amid Aircraft Delivery Timeline

Qantas has announced that its ambitious Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flights will commence in early 2027, following the delivery of the first specialized Airbus A350-1000 aircraft by the end of 2026.

CEO Vanessa Hudson confirmed this timeline on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, marking another delay for the project that aims to connect Australia directly with major global cities through non-stop flights spanning 20+ hours.

Key Points

• Previous launch dates of 2025 and 2026 were postponed due to aircraft construction delays and regulatory requirements

• Qantas requires three A350-1000 aircraft to operate daily service between Sydney and London or New York

• The specially configured aircraft will carry only 238 passengers across four cabin classes, featuring six first-class suites

• Initial flights will operate on the short Sydney-Auckland route to train crews before expanding to ultra-long-haul destinations

• Each A350-1000 will feature a dedicated wellness zone for passenger movement during the 20+ hour flights

• Economy seats will offer 33-inch pitch, exceeding the industry standard of 30-32 inches

What It Means

This further delay of Project Sunrise represents both supply chain realities and Qantas' commitment to methodically implementing this service despite setbacks.

When launched, these flights will significantly transform international travel from Australia, eliminating stopovers on key routes and potentially setting new standards for passenger comfort on extremely long journeys.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Boeing Seeks to Retract Guilty Plea in Fatal 737 MAX Crash Case

Boeing is seeking to withdraw its guilty plea agreement with the DOJ regarding two deadly 737 MAX crashes that led to 346 fatalities in 2018-2019.

The company wants more lenient treatment from the Trump administration after a federal judge rejected the initial agreement in December 2024.

Boeing would avoid being labeled a felon while maintaining its commitment to invest $455 million in safety improvements.

The parties must update the court by April 11.

3. Alaska Airlines Strengthens Asian Network with Korean Connection

Alaska Airlines has announced a new nonstop service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon starting September 12, 2025, using Hawaiian Airlines' widebody Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

This route, initially announced in December, is part of Alaska's plan to transform Seattle into the West Coast's premier global gateway, with aims to serve at least 12 international destinations by 2030.

The service begins just before Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), allowing travelers to visit family in South Korea. Boeing 787 Dreamliners will eventually be added to this route.

4. Frontier Adds Chicago, Austin, and Salt Lake City from San Diego

Frontier Airlines announced today three new routes from San Diego International Airport launching this summer.

Daily service to Chicago O'Hare begins June 12, while routes to Austin (4x weekly) and Salt Lake City (3x weekly) start June 13. Introductory fares start at $39 for Salt Lake City, $59 for Austin, and $69 for Chicago.

These additions expand Frontier's San Diego network to eight nonstop destinations, furthering the ultra-low-fare carrier's growth in Southern California.

5. United Airlines Launches $193M Infrastructure Upgrade at IAH

United Airlines broke ground today on a new $177 million Ground Service Equipment Maintenance Facility at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, scheduled to open in 2027.

The 140,000-square-foot LEED Silver facility will support over 1,800 ground vehicles and 130+ technicians.

Simultaneously, United opened a $16 million Technical Operations Training Center featuring specialized training shops and simulators.

These investments are part of United's $3.5 billion commitment to IAH since 2015, reinforcing Houston's status as the airline's largest hub with 14,000+ employees.

6. Air India Mandates Economy-Only Flight Policy for Employees

Air India announced today that all employees, including CEO Campbell Wilson, must fly economy class on work trips starting April 1 for senior management and June 1 for other staff.

This policy aims to free up premium seats for paying customers, with staff upgrades only available if seats remain empty 50 minutes before departure.

The change seems like an effort to establish Air India's customer-first approach following Tata Group's 2022 acquisition and comes amid growing demand for premium seating, which will increase from 50,000 to 65,000 weekly seats by October 2025.

7. Aircraft Parts and Repairs Caught in U.S.-Canada Tariff Crossfire

Canadian aerospace groups warn that escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada could significantly increase costs for aircraft components and engine repairs.

Trump's administration plans to implement reciprocal tariffs on April 2, while Canada contemplates retaliatory duties on C$125 billion of American goods.

Industry leaders meeting today in Montreal caution that tariffs on specialized parts like sensors could harm competitiveness, with costs ultimately passed to passengers.

The aerospace sector, which contributed C$29 billion to Canada's GDP in 2023, seeks exemptions for specific products rather than broad sector relief.

8. eVTOL Maker AEROFUGIA and Sichuan Airlines Partner to Transform Low-Altitude Economy

AEROFUGIA, a Chinese eVTOL developer, and Sichuan Airlines' subsidiary General Aviation Investment signed a strategic partnership today in Chengdu.

The collaboration aims to integrate eVTOL aircraft into China's low-altitude economy, focusing on urban air mobility, product testing, industry ecosystem development, and infrastructure.

They plan to establish national-level eVTOL pilot projects, connecting airports, city centers, and tourist spots.

This partnership combines AEROFUGIA's eVTOL expertise with Sichuan Airlines' operational capabilities, potentially revolutionizing urban transportation and positioning both companies at the forefront of next-generation mobility solutions.

9. South Korea Mulls KT-1 Line Transfer to Indonesia Amid Broader Defense Cooperation

South Korea and Indonesia are discussing the potential transfer of the KT-1 basic trainer production line from Korea Aerospace Industries to Indonesia. This move is part of broader defense cooperation efforts.

Recently, KAI secured a $64 million contract to extend the lifespan of Indonesia's KT-1B fleet, more than doubling their operational life.

The collaboration aims to strengthen Indonesia's aerospace capabilities and KAI's market presence.

These developments occur amid ongoing negotiations over the stalled KF-21 fighter jet project between the two countries.

10. Airbus Commits to Hydrogen Future While Adjusting Implementation Timeline

At today's Airbus Summit, the company unveiled an updated ZEROe hydrogen aircraft concept featuring four 2-megawatt electric propulsion engines powered by fuel cells, replacing the original six-engine design.

While Airbus has delayed the hydrogen aircraft beyond its initial 2035 target, it remains committed to the technology.

The company has successfully tested a 1.2MW hydrogen propulsion system and plans integrated ground testing in Munich by 2027.

Airbus is also developing a next-generation single-aisle aircraft for the late 2030s with 20-30% better fuel efficiency.