Qantas has given 9News an exclusive first look at the production of the Airbus350-1000 ahead of the plane’s first flight in 2026.
The A350-1000 is the all-new aircraft from Airbus, fit with an extra fuel tank and the latest technology that uses 25 per cent less petrol.
“It allows an A350-1000 to fly from Australia to essentially any city in the world,” Airbus spokesperson Joost Van Der Heijden said.
Qantas has already ordered 12 for Project Sunrise, which will fly their new non-stop routes London and New York, which will take up to 22 hours.
“It means that we can open up new markets that we historically wouldn’t have had the ability to do because of the technology that exists and the commitment and partnership we’ve had working with Airbus,” Qantas International Chief Executive Cam Wallace said.
The production of the aircraft takes place in Toulouse, France.
The new plane will be complete with a nutritionally designed menu and special lighting that mimics the phases of a day – from sunrise to sunset and back again.
Economy passengers will also have access to an aviation first – a wellbeing zone, an area dedicated to movement, socialisation and refreshment.
“This area combined with what we’re doing with service, what we’re doing with the cabin lighting have all been engineered around trying to help customers adjust their circadian clocks, their body clocks to the destination their going to,” Qantas designer David Caon said.
Up to 40 per cent of the seats will be reserved for premium economy, business and first class.
Qantas will get its first A350-1000 in 2026.
9News travelled to France courtesy of Qantas.
