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Airbus completes Qantas A350-ULR test, enabling nonstop Sydney-London

6/3/2026

Summary

Airbus ULR Test

Airbus completed the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) flight for Qantas, a 3 h 43 min sortie reaching just over 41,000 ft with an Airbus crew.
The rear centre tank adds about 1,000 nm, enabling Qantas non-stop Sydney-London flights of up to 22 hours and nearly 10,000 nm.
The flight starts a test to certify the fuel system and cabin ventilation, with MSN 707 slated for retrofitting and April 2027 delivery within Qantas’s order of 12 ULRs and 12 standard A350-1000s.

Summary

Qantas ULR Delay

Airbus announced the first A350-1000ULR delivery to Qantas is delayed to April 2027.
Qantas had hoped to launch the Sydney-London nonstop service in 2025, then late-2026, now pushed to 2027.
The postponement extends Singapore Airlines’ hold on the current longest commercial route, Singapore-New York, until Qantas’s ULR enters service.
Airbus’ two-month test campaign for the extra fuel tank will now run later in 2026, delaying certification.
Qantas may need to keep using its existing A350-1000 fleet and other long-haul aircraft for interim routes.
The delay could affect Project Sunrise’s marketing timeline, as the airline must adjust promotional commitments.

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Airbus ULR Test

Airbus completed the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) flight for Qantas, a 3 h 43 min sortie reaching just over 41,000 ft with an Airbus crew.
The rear centre tank adds about 1,000 nm, enabling Qantas non-stop Sydney-London flights of up to 22 hours and nearly 10,000 nm.
The flight starts a test to certify the fuel system and cabin ventilation, with MSN 707 slated for retrofitting and April 2027 delivery within Qantas’s order of 12 ULRs and 12 standard A350-1000s.

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