The first Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) destined for Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways has successfully completed its maiden test flight in Toulouse, France. This milestone officially marks the beginning of the certification campaign for the modified aircraft, which is set to operate the longest nonstop commercial flights in aviation history.
A Successful Debut in Toulouse Skies
The aircraft, identified by manufacturer serial number MSN 707, took off under the command of a dedicated Airbus Flight Test crew. During this initial shakedown flight, the twinjet remained airborne for a total of three hours and 43 minutes, reaching a maximum altitude slightly above 41,000 feet.
Equipped with specialized flight test instrumentation (FTI), the onboard crew utilized this first sortie to conduct general aircraft performance checks and evaluate the architecture of its newly designed fuel system.
Ultra-Long-Range Engineering: The Heart of Project Sunrise
The development of the A350-1000ULR directly responds to Qantas’ requirements for its ambitious Project Sunrise. The goal is to connect Sydney and London directly and nonstop for the first time—a route covering a distance of nearly 10,000 nautical miles that will demand flight times of up to 22 hours.
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To achieve this unprecedented range, Airbus implemented key structural modifications:
- Additional Fuel Tank: A new Rear Centre Tank (RCT) has been integrated into the aircraft structure, boosting efficiency and extending the aircraft’s range by an additional 1,000 nautical miles.
- Efficient Cooling: A new galley air-cooling system will be certified, utilizing lighter and more efficient refrigeration units specifically engineered for ultra-long-haul missions.
- Cabin Comfort: Throughout the flight-test phase, cabin ventilation and temperature control systems will be meticulously evaluated to ensure passenger well-being.
Next Steps and Fleet Deliveries
This maiden flight kicks off an intensive two-month flight-test campaign aimed at certifying all design modifications. Once this process is complete, MSN 707 will return to the hangar to be reconfigured to Qantas’ commercial specifications.
Meanwhile, the second aircraft in the batch is already in an advanced stage of final assembly and is ready to enter the paint shop in the coming days. This second airframe will be the first to receive the premium four-class interior cabin configuration and engine installation, with delivery to the airline scheduled for April 2027.
Global Success of the A350 Family
The new A350-1000ULR becomes the fourth passenger variant of the highly successful A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR, and the standard A350-1000. This aircraft line has transformed long-haul travel by drastically reducing fuel burn and carbon emissions. The product line will soon expand into the cargo market with the A350F freighter, whose inaugural flight is slated for later this year.
As of the end of April 2026, the A350 Family maintained robust commercial success across the industry:
- 1,579 orders from 68 global customers.
- Over 700 aircraft in active service with 41 operators.
In total, Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR units under the Project Sunrise program to overcome Australia’s geographical barriers. This order is complemented by an additional commitment for 12 standard A350-1000 aircraft to bolster its global long-haul network in the future.
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