Qantas has confirmed an order for a dozen Airbus A350-1000 aircraft which will operate the world’s longest flights, connecting east-coast Australia to London and New York from late 2025.

The airline announced a multi-billion dollar aircraft order on Monday morning that will reshape its operations over the next two decades, with 40 new A321XLRs and A220s to start replacing its domestic fleet of ageing Boeing 737s from late 2023.

“New types of aircraft make new things possible. That’s what makes today’s announcement so significant,” Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said. “The A350 and Project Sunrise will make any city just one flight away from Australia.”

The airline has spent almost five years working on its so-called “Project Sunrise”, plotting flights of more than 20 hours from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York. It had originally hoped to launch the record-breaking flights in 2023 but the COVID-19 pandemic put the project on hold, and will now take flight from Sydney in late 2025.

Qantas believes passengers will pay extra to save time and avoid stopovers in places like Dubai, Singapore and Los Angeles. That is reflected in the cabin layout of its A350 order, with 41 per cent of the plane reserved for premium seats.

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The long-range jets will have 238 passengers across four cabins: six in first class, 52 in business, 40 in premium economy, and 140 in economy. A “wellbeing zone” will be available for passengers to combat the physical toll of flying for more than 20 hours.

Qantas confirmed in late 2019 that it had selected the A350 for its Project Sunrise flights and said in December last year it had also chosen Airbus to renew its domestic fleet. Monday’s announcement marks a firm order for the jets and sets out a timeline for their delivery, with all 12 of the A350s to be operating by 2028.

As well as the 40 domestic jets on firm order, Qantas has purchase rights over a further 94 which are spread over the next 10 years.