A350-1000 to be Airbus's lead candidate for Project Sunrise

Airbus is putting forward the A350-1000 as its lead contender for Qantas's ultra-long-haul initiative, Project Sunrise, as the carrier prepares to conduct test flights using Boeing 787-9s. Qantas had requested submissions from both airframers which would meet the challenging demands of Project Sunrise, which aims to provide non-stop services to Australian east coast cities from New York and London. While 787s are already used by Qantas on non-stop services between London Heathrow and Perth, Boeing is offering the 777-8 as its Project Sunrise candidate – although development of the long-range twinjet has been put on hold. Airbus said that it is leading its bid with the A350-1000 which has a range of 8,700nm with a typical passenger load. <br/>