Airbus A350-1000ULR completes maiden test flight for Qantas Project Sunrise

Airbus successfully flew the A350‑1000ULR (MSN 707), the first of twelve ultra‑long‑range aircraft ordered by Qantas, from Toulouse, France. The three‑hour‑forty‑three‑minute flight reached just over 41,000 ft and tested the aircraft’s new fuel‑system architecture and performance parameters.

The aircraft’s additional rear centre tank adds roughly 1,000 nautical miles to its range, enabling non‑stop services between Sydney and London or New York with flight times of up to 22 hours. Qantas plans to configure the plane for four‑class premium service and has scheduled delivery for April 2027, after a two‑month test‑flight campaign and subsequent painting and cabin fit‑out.