Qantas scraps Project Sunrise for the moment

Qantas has scrapped, for the time being, its long-cherished Sydney to London nonstop dream. Dubbed Project Sunrise the plan was to operate a fleet of Airbus A350s from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to London non-stop as well as nonstop US east coast to Sydney and Melbourne. Speaking with media, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said that Project Sunrise was on hold as the airline would not be ordering any new aircraft. SEE: When does London look like Mars? But he said that Project Sunrise has "huge potential". "It’s still a good business case," he said. Mr Joyce said the airline was doing a complete review of its aircraft needs and the airline’s six 747s would probably not return to service. There is also doubt about its 14 A380s and the cabin upgrade currently underway. Mr Joyce said that Qantas has suspended that work. "A lot depends on the US and UK markets and how well they recover," said Mr Joyce.