Yes, the initial announcement indicated end of calendar 2025:
This has been the formal position since March, but even suggested by Qantas since August 2024. There's nothing new in the ET article.
Not quite sure what you're saying. The aircraft was always going to have the RCT, however EASA required a redesign of all RCTs, on the A350-900, A350-1000, A350F and A321 XLR to improve the RCT's protection. This resulted in a delay for all these programs except for the A350-900 as this was somewhat moot since there are no current orders for the A350-900 ULR.
I thought the latest was starting Sunrise services in mid/late 2026., but concede that I haven' t been paying much attention , the line indicating definitively 2027 for ALL sunrise routes is what perked my ears.
Confusion might arise from the first delivery which is still mid/late 2026, however first London or New York flight will only be early 2027 once the third aircraft has arrived.
It's pencilled in for flight to Auckland before London or New York. Also probably doing some Perth-London.It would be nice if they did some testing flights with passengers between Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne while waiting for the next plane.. Like they did with the 787.
Maybe i can get Mrs 747sp to come along too
Hope the rego is VH OJA for the first plane.
The article isn’t primarily about “Sunrise” flights. It’s just confirming that we’ll see 4 Class A350s on LAX, SIN and LHR (via SIN) in addition to the “Sunrise” flights. Plus 3 class A350 replacing A330s.
Actually, I mangled my earlier response and corrected it to say that there’ll be 4 class on those routes (in addition to the “sunrise” routes). AND, they’re replacing A330s with 3 class A350s (no F, no wellness zone and a hint there might be more PE but definitely more whY seats). Some extra B789s thrown in also.
