Overview
- Airbus confirmed on Monday that the first Qantas‑configured A350-1000ULR will be delivered in April 2027, later than previously expected.
- The manufacturer said the slip is largely driven by supply‑chain problems that have disrupted the wider A350 production program, including interior components and fuselage work.
- Airbus reports the first airframe is in the Toulouse paint shop and due to begin flight testing in the coming weeks, while Qantas says pilots are training on simulators and the airline will name routes and dates next month.
- Qantas expects the next four aircraft to follow in quick succession with the aim of recovering the rollout by November 2027 and has previously said it needs at least three ULRs to operate reliable daily 22‑hour nonstop services.
- Project Sunrise has been delayed repeatedly since its 2017 launch because of COVID and supplier issues, so the timing of clustered deliveries will determine when east‑coast nonstop flights to London and New York become available and how long passengers must wait.