Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has revealed that New York is more likely than London to be the initial destination for nonstop flights departing from Australia’s east coast as part of Project Sunrise.

According to Bloomberg, Joyce said that London would be next on the list, even though the airline’s service to London is its most famous “Kangaroo” service and one of the first routes to resume after COVID.

The airline has a secret plan called “Project Sunrise” to use a new fleet of 12 modified Airbus A350-1000s to do nonstop flights to far-flung locations.

Services are expected to begin “before the end of the calendar year 2025” from Sydney.

At the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam, Joyce also stated that there had been no indication that the aircraft’s delivery would be delayed and that he was “pretty satisfied” with his conversation with Airbus.

However, he said he would meet with the planemaker’s CEO, Guillaume Faury, about how “on track” the A350s are.

At the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam, Joyce also stated that there had been no indication that the aircraft’s delivery would be delayed and that he was “pretty satisfied” with his conversation with Airbus.

However, he said he would meet with the planemaker’s CEO, Guillaume Faury, about how “on track” the A350s are.

To complete the 20-hour flight, the existing ultra-long-haul aircraft will need to be modified to hold more fuel.

“I think any airline would like assurance on timeframes,” he said, adding that while “a month later doesn’t make much of a difference, six months or a year may make a major impact.”

After Airbus reduced its annual jet delivery target from 720 to 700, it announced an interim production goal of 65 A320-family planes per month in early 2024 rather than in summer 2023.

Along with the A350s, Qantas has placed an order for 20 Airbus A321XLRs and 20 A220-300s to progressively replace its present domestic fleet of Boeing 737 and 717 aircraft.

The agreement also provides options to acquire up to 94 more aircraft until 2034.

Narrowbody deliveries are planned to commence in 2023, with all Project Sunrise aircraft arriving by 2028.

Joyce said in June that the facts of both transactions were “commercially confidential” but that a “substantial reduction from regular price could be envisaged.”

“New types of aircraft enable new possibilities.” Today’s news is meaningful for the national airline and Australia. In this country, air travel is critical. The planes we’ve flown have marked the eras we’ve lived in throughout our existence. The 707 launched the jet era, the 747 democratised travel, and the A380 redefined luxury. The A350 and Project Sunrise will reduce the distance between Australia and any city to one flight. It is the last frontier, the final solution to the tyranny of distance.”

Joyce called the Project Sunrise contract, and the Project Winton order the “biggest aircraft order in Australian aviation.”

“Our approach for these aircraft will result in considerable rewards for those who make it possible – our employees, customers, and shareholders.”

The aircraft’s purchase was the final obstacle to cross after the airline agreed with the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) in March 2020 to allow its members to fly ultra-long-haul flights. However, due to the pandemic, the development of Project Sunrise was put on hold after this point.

Jetstar has also placed an order for a fleet of 38 A320 NEOs, the first of which arrived in July.