Qantas’ ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000ULR completes maiden flight

The first Airbus A350-1000ULR destined for Qantas has successfully completed its maiden flight, marking a major milestone for the airline’s ambitious Project Sunrise programme, which aims to connect Australia with Europe and North America through some of the world’s longest non-stop flights.

The aircraft, registered as manufacturer serial number (MSN) 707, took off from Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse on 2 June and remained airborne for three hours and 43 minutes. During the flight, Airbus test pilots carried out a series of performance checks and evaluated the aircraft’s new fuel system architecture.

The A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) has been specifically developed to enable Qantas to launch non-stop services between Sydney and London, a route spanning nearly 10,000 nautical miles (18,500 kilometres). The flights are expected to last up to 22 hours, making them among the longest commercial services ever operated.

To achieve the additional range, Airbus has incorporated an extra rear centre fuel tank into the aircraft’s structure. The modification increases the aircraft’s range by approximately 1,000 nautical miles compared with the standard A350-1000.

The maiden flight marks the beginning of a two-month certification campaign during which Airbus will validate the aircraft’s modifications. Engineers will also test a newly developed galley cooling system featuring lighter and more energy-efficient refrigeration units, as well as cabin ventilation and temperature-control systems designed to enhance passenger comfort during ultra-long-haul journeys.

Once testing is completed, MSN 707 will return to the assembly line where it will be fitted with Qantas’ bespoke four-class cabin configuration.

Project Sunrise moving closer

The second A350-1000ULR for Qantas is already progressing through final assembly and is expected to be delivered in April 2027. Airbus said the aircraft will soon leave the paint shop before receiving its engines and cabin interior.

Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise, an initiative first announced in 2017 to overcome what the airline described as “the tyranny of distance” separating Australia from major global destinations. The carrier has also ordered 12 standard A350-1000s for use elsewhere on its long-haul network.

When Project Sunrise services eventually begin, passengers will be able to travel non-stop from Sydney to London without the traditional stopover in Asia or the Middle East. Qantas has also announced plans for non-stop flights between Sydney and New York using the same aircraft type.

Growing A350 family

The A350-1000ULR becomes the fourth passenger variant of the A350 family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and standard A350-1000. Airbus says the aircraft family has established new benchmarks for fuel efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by around 25 percent compared with previous-generation aircraft.

The manufacturer is also preparing the launch of the A350F freighter, which is expected to perform its first flight later this year.

As of the end of April 2026, Airbus had secured 1,579 orders for the A350 family from 68 customers worldwide, with more than 700 aircraft currently in service with 41 airlines.