Qantas’ Airbus A350-1000ULR Completes Maiden Test Flight Ahead of Project Sunrise
Airbus and Qantas have reached an important milestone in the future of long-distance air travel. The first Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) built for Qantas has successfully completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, identified as MSN 707, took off on June 2, 2026, and remained in the air for three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of more than 41,000 feet.
The successful flight marks the beginning of an extensive two-month testing program before the aircraft enters commercial service. During the flight, Airbus engineers and test pilots checked the aircraft’s overall performance and tested its new fuel system architecture, which is specially designed for ultra-long-haul operations.
The A350-1000ULR is being developed under Qantas’ famous “Project Sunrise.” The ambitious project aims to make history by launching the world’s first non-stop commercial flights between Sydney and New York, as well as Sydney and London. These routes are nearly 10,000 nautical miles long and could have flight times of up to 22 hours.
To achieve such extraordinary range, Airbus has made several modifications to the aircraft. One of the most important upgrades is the installation of an additional Rear Centre Tank (RCT), which increases the aircraft’s fuel capacity. This enhancement extends the aircraft’s range by approximately 1,000 nautical miles, allowing it to cover some of the world’s longest air routes without stopping.
Apart from the fuel system, Airbus is also testing a new galley air cooling system. The improved refrigeration units are lighter and more energy-efficient, making them ideal for extremely long flights. Engineers will also carefully monitor cabin temperature, ventilation, and overall passenger comfort during the testing phase.
After the flight testing and certification process is completed, the aircraft will be fitted with Qantas’ commercial cabin design. The airline plans to introduce a premium four-class layout, offering passengers a comfortable experience even during flights lasting more than 20 hours.
The second A350-1000ULR for Qantas is already in the final stages of assembly and is expected to be delivered in April 2027. It will soon leave the paint shop before receiving its cabin interiors and engine installation.
The Airbus A350 family has become one of the world’s most successful long-haul aircraft programs. It currently includes the A350-900, A350-900ULR, and A350-1000 variants. The new A350-1000ULR will become the fourth passenger version, setting new standards in fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and passenger comfort.
According to Airbus, the A350 family had received 1,579 orders from 68 customers by the end of April 2026, with more than 700 aircraft already flying for 41 airlines around the world.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft under Project Sunrise, along with 12 standard A350-1000 models for its wider international network. The airline believes these aircraft will redefine global travel by connecting Australia directly with major cities across the world without intermediate stops.
The successful first flight of the A350-1000ULR is not only a major achievement for Airbus and Qantas but also an important step toward the future of ultra-long-haul aviation.
