However, Boeing has made it clear that it remains in contention for Project Sunrise. Both Boeing and Airbus submitted proposals in 2019, but Boeing announced some delays in the B777-8 Project in August 2019 after Etihad Airways has dropped its orders made in 2013. Qantas issued a request for a proposal in 2019 for an over 300 seat aircraft in four classes. The airline was close to placing an order when COVID-19 forced its exciting plans on ice while its international operations were suspended. Instead, the airline worked with Airbus on contractual terms to initially take up to 12 aircraft. Before Project was put on hold, Qantas had selected the A350 over the 777X, but they had not placed a firm order.

The 20-hour non-stop flights will eliminate the need for a stopover, ensuring direct connections where they had previously not been possible.

The flights would focus on connecting the east coast of Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to parts of Europe and America by 2022. The name reflects the sheer distance of the flights, which allow passengers and crew to witness two sunrises. Project Sunrise is Qantas’ effort to make non-stop flights of up to 20 hours in length a reality. Having launched non-stop London-Perth services, it had wanted to do the same for Sydney under the name ‘Project Sunrise.’ Naturally, COVID-19 brought these plans screeching to a halt last year. Before the ongoing pandemic affected the airline industry, Australian flag carrier Qantas had big plans for ultra-long-haul travel.

Qantas project sunrise 777x