Qantas A350-1000ULR completes maiden flight in France

Airbus flew the first A350‑1000 Ultra‑Long‑Range (ULR) for Qantas on 2 June from Toulouse. The test aircraft, MSN 707 registered F‑WULR, made a 3‑hour‑13‑minute sortie over southern France and the Bay of Biscay, checking performance, a new integral 20,000‑litre centre fuel tank and a lightweight galley cooling system. The flight marks the start of a two‑month certification program required by European authorities for the subtype.

The ULR, designed to enable nonstop routes of up to 22 hours, will be delivered to Qantas in 2027 after Airbus announced a six‑to‑eight‑month delay caused by supply‑chain issues. Qantas plans to use the 12‑aircraft fleet for its Project Sunrise ambition of nonstop Sydney‑London and Sydney‑New York services, with a 238‑seat cabin layout developed with Australian designer David Caon and sleep‑science experts.