Qantas Project Sunrise goes ahead, 12 new A350-1000s ordered

[AuSammy]

It’s in jest but trust me, there’s more tofu out there on airline menus than many realise. eg QF HKG-SYD in Dec.

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Those who like it applaud it, those who don’t just park their optical blind spot over that text.

I acknowledge you may be right, I’m sure my eyes on autopilot would avoid any listings in that vein.

 

[LionKing]

I think I am in Melbourne Friday Week, but at 7pm. Any chance I can spot the Qantas A35K?

 

[Melburnian1]

I commented earlier as to whether the 24 July 2026 test flight may have almost 240 passengers with luggage.

However, rethinking, given the aircraft won't be delivered to QFi until April 2027 at the earliest, does it even have all seats fitted or is it more of a 'shell' in the cabin(s) and hence can't carry 238 passengers at this stage?

 

[AuSammy]

I commented earlier as to whether the 24 July 2026 test flight may have almost 240 passengers with luggage.

However, rethinking, given the aircraft won't be delivered to QFi until April 2027 at the earliest, does it even have all seats fitted or is it more of a 'shell' in the cabin(s) and hence can't carry 238 passengers at this stage?

The videos I have seen on line show they have weights anchored throughout the test plane to imitate what it would be like with “average” human load.

 

[SYD]

The videos I have seen on line show they have weights anchored throughout the test plane to imitate what it would be like with “average” human load.

As well as a bunch of instrumentation throughout.

 

[SYD]

As well as a bunch of instrumentation throughout.

and here’s a picture.

 

[elanshin]

I commented earlier as to whether the 24 July 2026 test flight may have almost 240 passengers with luggage.

However, rethinking, given the aircraft won't be delivered to QFi until April 2027 at the earliest, does it even have all seats fitted or is it more of a 'shell' in the cabin(s) and hence can't carry 238 passengers at this stage?

The plane flying the test with MSN (manufacturers serial number) 707 will not be the first a350-1000ULR delivered to Qantas that goes into service. So in it's tests it's basically an almost fully airbus test bed interior with specialised equipment to simulate loads.

MSN814, currently in QF livery and last seen missing just engines will be fully cabin configured and ready to become VH-OJA. The test aircraft (MSN707) will certify everything then be prepped for its interiors to be refitted with the actual cabins and is slated to be OJB. I believe I read somewhere it's not properly painted as it's meant to carry a special livery as well.

 

[Melburnian1]

Granted there are supply chain disruptions, but if VH-OJA is merely 'missing engines', why does it take until at least April 2027 to be delivered to QFi?

Is this because in a chicken and egg situation, no aircraft can be handed over to a client airline until VH-OJB, the test aircraft, is fully certified by the various regulatory agencies?

 

[Quickstatus]

why does it take until at least April 2027 to be delivered to QFi?

While the A350-1000 has been certified by Easa and currently earning its keep with QR, BA, CX, the rare ULR variant requires additional certification for additional fuel tank and the interior needs to be certified as well.
It does not appear the the second ULR will be undergoing flight testing. Rather, after construction, it will go to interior fitout. painting etc

Of course, the fleet awaits the final certification