Still surreal just a few years ago, the idea of connecting Paris to Sydney by plane without a stopover is now taking very concrete shape. In Toulouse, the very first ultra-long-haul Airbus A350-1000 designed for this type of route is currently in the final stages of assembly. This next-generation aircraft paves the way for direct flights between Europe and Australia, which could include Paris.
A direct route between Paris and Sydney
This project is part of a broader initiative led by the Australian airline Qantas, called “Project Sunrise.” The goal is clear: to offer the world’s longest nonstop commercial flights. Today, while it generally takes at least one connection to reach Sydney from Paris, this route could be completed in a single leg, in about 20 to 22 hours of flight time.
To make this possible, Airbus has designed a highly specialized version of its A350-1000. The aircraft is equipped with an additional fuel tank holding approximately 20,000 liters, giving it exceptional range. The systems have also been adapted to handle these extreme flights, with test phases scheduled to begin as early as 2026 to validate performance on routes that could exceed 22 hours.
Inside the aircraft, unlike traditional configurations, these planes are expected to carry fewer passengers—around 230 to 240 seats—to prioritize comfort over long distances. Dedicated wellness areas are even being considered, with zones for stretching or rehydrating.
While the first confirmed routes mainly involve Sydney-London or Sydney-New York, Paris is also clearly among the destinations being considered in the medium term. Europe could thus be connected to eastern Australia nonstop for the first time in the history of commercial aviation. As for the schedule, the first aircraft are expected to be delivered starting in late 2026, with a commercial launch planned for 2027 if tests are successful.