Qantas head of commercial strategy: Project Sunrise to enable 'full derisking' of international ops
Qantas Group head of commercial strategy and performance Scott Zeglin, speaking at Routes Asia 2025, stated (25-Mar-2025) Project Sunrise will entail a "full derisking of our international business" by enabling the carrier to serve "any two points on Earth" nonstop from Australia. Mr Zeglin said this capability will be important for "derisking" airspace closures and other disruptions. The carrier's first A350-1000ULR is expected in late 2026 and Mr Zeglin said two to three aircraft will be required for each ultra long haul route. He said the airline is targeting the "northern summer of 2027" for "new and exciting launches". He added that the airline will "still need to provide volume" with one-stop, high capacity long haul services, including routes to Europe via Singapore and the US via Auckland.
Background ✨
Qantas aimed to maintain one-stop services like Sydney-Singapore-London alongside the nonstop routes planned under Project Sunrise, distinguishing between volume and premium differentiation1. CEO Vanessa Hudson anticipated launching Project Sunrise in early 2027, following the delivery of the A350-1000 aircraft in late 2026, with three aircraft needed for daily Sydney-New York or Sydney-London services2. Regulatory hurdles had delayed the programme, but European approval for an essential fuel tank modification marked significant progress3.