Airbus A350-1000ULR Completes First Test Flight, Paving Way for Qantas Non-Stop Sydney-London Service

On 2 June 2026, Airbus conducted the inaugural flight of the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) from Toulouse. The aircraft, equipped with special flight-test instrumentation, flew for three hours 43 minutes and reached an altitude slightly above 41 000 feet. The flight began a two-month test campaign to certify range-extending modifications.

Airbus achieves a milestone: First successful flight for A350-1000ULR, the aircraft capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stopThe Straits TimesWorld’s longest-range aircraft, Airbus A350-1000ULR, completes first flight ahead of Qantas Project SunriseThe world's longest-range passenger aircraft, the A350-1000ULR, has taken off.

Qantas has ordered twelve A350-1000ULR aircraft under Project Sunrise. They will operate non-stop Sydney-London flights, a route of roughly 10 000 nautical miles (?18 525 km) with flight times up to 22 hours. Qantas also ordered twelve standard A350-1000s for other long-haul routes.

World’s longest-range aircraft, Airbus A350-1000ULR, completes first flight ahead of Qantas Project SunriseThe Straits TimesThe world's longest-range passenger aircraft, the A350-1000ULR, has taken off.Airbus achieves a milestone: First successful flight for A350-1000ULR, the aircraft capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stop

Key milestones: 2 June 2026 – first test flight; June–July 2026 – certification campaign; April 2027 – first ULR delivery to Qantas; original service target shifted from 2025 to 2026, now aligned with the 2027 delivery.

The Straits Times

The ULR adds a rear centre tank (RCT), extending range by about 1 000 nautical miles (1 852 km) to roughly 18 500 km. Fuel-system architecture, a new galley cooling system, and cabin environmental controls are under test. Airbus notes the A350 family had 1 579 orders from 68 customers as of April 2026.

World’s longest-range aircraft, Airbus A350-1000ULR, completes first flight ahead of Qantas Project Sunrise

The Sydney-London route would surpass the current longest commercial flight, Singapore-New York (9 538 miles, >18 hours). Airbus claims the A350-1000ULR reduces fuel use and carbon emissions versus comparable aircraft, while improving passenger comfort.

World’s longest-range aircraft, Airbus A350-1000ULR, completes first flight ahead of Qantas Project Sunrise

Airbus confirmed the test flight met objectives and reaffirmed the April 2027 delivery target for Qantas. The company explained that the added rear centre tank drives the range increase, and that certification of the new galley cooling system and cabin environmental controls will follow. Airbus also highlighted the A350 family’s role in advancing long-haul efficiency.

World’s longest-range aircraft, Airbus A350-1000ULR, completes first flight ahead of Qantas Project SunriseThe world's longest-range passenger aircraft, the A350-1000ULR, has taken off.The Straits TimesAirbus achieves a milestone: First successful flight for A350-1000ULR, the aircraft capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stop

All sources concur on the flight duration, altitude, and delivery timetable; no contradictory information was identified.

Airbus achieves a milestone: First successful flight for A350-1000ULR, the aircraft capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stop

"The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for three hours 43 minutes reaching an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet," — Airbus statement.

Airbus achieves a milestone: First successful flight for A350-1000ULR, the aircraft capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stop

"Airbus said the aircraft’s range increase is made possible mainly by the integration of an additional rear centre tank into the aircraft structure." — Airbus statement.

World’s longest-range aircraft, Airbus A350-1000ULR, completes first flight ahead of Qantas Project Sunrise

"Airbus said a new galley air cooling system will also be certified, using lighter and more efficient refrigeration units for very long flights." — Airbus statement.

World’s longest-range aircraft, Airbus A350-1000ULR, completes first flight ahead of Qantas Project Sunrise

"Airbus said the A350 family has set new standards in long-haul air travel." — Airbus statement.

World’s longest-range aircraft, Airbus A350-1000ULR, completes first flight ahead of Qantas Project SunriseThe world's longest-range passenger aircraft, the A350-1000ULR, has taken off.Airbus achieves a milestone: First successful flight for A350-1000ULR, the aircraft capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stopThe Straits Times

Following certification, MSN 707 will be retrofitted to Qantas’ commercial specifications, including a premium four-class cabin layout. The second A350-1000ULR is in advanced final-assembly and is expected to roll out of the paint shop imminently. Qantas will schedule its inaugural non-stop Sydney-London service after the April 2027 delivery.

The world's longest-range passenger aircraft, the A350-1000ULR, has taken off.