LONDON – It is understood that in the next 12 months, Australian carrier Qantas is looking to approve Project Sunrise in the next 12 months, as the airline looks to the future post-pandemic.
CEO Alan Joyce confirmed this at CAPA Live where he is stating this will only restart if the airline witnesses the right environment to do so:
“I think it is a great strategy for the new environment post-COVID and something that we continue to be excited about. What we have to do is get the right environment. I’m hoping within the next year.”
Joyce also believes that this project will not die, despite the lack of demand for international travel and the long recovery times needed to get back to normal:
“When you do something unique that gives you a customer value proposition that’s quite special, you can charge a premium for it,”
This is especially with Joyce stating that the ultra long-haul service between Perth and London Heathrow being the most profitable route on their international network.
Project Sunrise was of course put on a significant delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Joyce’s words have given an extra sense of renewal going forward, and will be key in a strategy that he is banking on for any success going into the future.
