The new Airbus A350-1000ULR, considered the world’s best-performing ultra-long-haul passenger jet, has completed its first test flight in Toulouse, France, Airbus and Australian airline Qantas announced.
The aircraft flew for three hours and 43 minutes and reached an altitude of over 41,000 feet (about 12,500 meters). During the test, the general performance of the machine and the new fuel supply system were checked.
The model was developed for Qantas’ Project Sunrise program, which aims to introduce direct flights between Australia’s east coast and cities such as London and New York. If the project is implemented as planned, these will become the first regular non-stop flights on these routes.
According to Airbus, the aircraft can travel nearly 10,000 nautical miles and stay in the air for up to 22 hours. To achieve this autonomy, the plane is equipped with an additional fuel tank.
The first flight marks the start of a test campaign that will last approximately two months. During this period, approximately 80 hours of air and ground tests will be carried out to certify the modifications that allow the operation of ultra-long runs.
Engineers will also test a new cooling system for food preparation and storage areas on board, as well as ventilation and temperature control systems in the cabin, aspects considered important for flights that can last almost a full day.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft under Project Sunrise. A second aircraft is already in an advanced stage of assembly and is due to be delivered to the company in April 2027. The airline said it will announce later this month which will be the first route operated under the program.
