Airbus A350‑1000ULR test flight paves way for Qantas ultra‑long‑haul routes

Airbus successfully completed the maiden test flight of its A350‑1000ULR in Toulouse, France, logging three hours and 43 minutes at 41,000 ft. The ultra‑long‑range variant adds an extra rear fuel tank, boosting range by about 1,000 nautical miles and allowing nonstop missions of up to 22 hours.

The aircraft is being built for Qantas’ Project Sunrise, which aims to connect Sydney directly with cities such as London and New York without intermediate stops. Qantas has ordered 12 A350‑1000ULRs (with delivery expected from April 2027) and will configure the cabin for 238 passengers, emphasizing passenger comfort with expanded wellness areas, Wi‑Fi, and reduced jet‑lag effects. The test marks the start of a two‑month certification campaign before commercial entry.

If approved, the jet could enable the first nonstop flights between two continents that have never been linked without a stop, reshaping ultra‑long‑haul travel.