Airbus A350‑1000ULR completes test flight for Qantas Project Sunrise

Airbus has successfully completed a test flight of its ultra‑long‑range A350‑1000ULR in Toulouse, France. The aircraft flew for 3 hours 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of 12 500 metres, demonstrating the capability to stay airborne for up to 22 continuous hours and cover distances of around 18 000 km.

The A350‑1000ULR is being customised for Australia’s Qantas under the “Project Sunrise” programme, which aims to launch non‑stop routes such as Sydney–London, Melbourne–New York and other intercontinental services by 2027. The aircraft will carry 238 passengers across four cabin classes, with a spacious economy layout and a wellness zone for ultra‑long flights. Airbus is also finalising a lighter galley‑cooling system and cabin‑air circulation upgrades to support day‑long journeys without refuelling.

If the programme proceeds as planned, Qantas will be the first airline to operate the world’s longest commercial nonstop passenger flights, extending the current record held by Singapore Airlines.