Redesigning of fuel tank delays delivery of A350 to Qantas: Airbus

Airbus is facing delays in launching an extended-range version of its A350-1000 jet for Qantas Airways’ Sydney-London flights due to a regulatory request to redesign an extra fuel tank

Airbus is experiencing setbacks in introducing an extended-range variant of its A350-1000 aircraft tailored for Qantas Airways’ direct Sydney-London routes as a result of a regulatory request to modify an additional fuel reservoir, as disclosed by a high-ranking company official. 

“The regulatory body has mandated a revision of the central tank for the extended-range aircraft intended for the Sunrise initiative,” stated Christian Scherer, the Chief Executive Officer of Airbus’ commercial aviation division, during a statement made at the Singapore Airshow. The Sunrise initiative pertains to Qantas Airways’ “Project Sunrise” flights connecting Sydney and London. 

Qantas confirmed that the delivery timelines for its initial batch of A350-1000 aircraft capable of facilitating the extended-range journeys have been postponed by approximately half a year to the middle of 2026. 

“We are required to alter the central tank, the supplementary fuel tank essential for the Sunrise operations, which accounts for the delay,” Scherer elaborated. 

Vanessa Hudson, the CEO of Qantas, attributed the delay to the prolonged certification process of the inaugural aircraft. 

“Nonetheless, we anticipate a swift succession of the 12 aircraft earmarked for deployment following the initial delivery,” she conveyed to the press. 

Source: Reuters