Airbus has completed the first test flight of its A350-1000ULR, an ultra-long-range aircraft designed to operate the world's longest non-stop commercial flights, potentially lasting up to 22 hours. The milestone flight took place on Tuesday, June 2, from Toulouse, France, and lasted three hours and 43 minutes.
The A350-1000ULR, a variant of the A350-1000, features an extra fuel tank holding 20,000 litres, extending its range by more than 1,800 km. This will enable non-stop services between Sydney, Australia, and cities such as London and New York, covering distances up to 18,500 km. Currently, the longest commercial flight is Singapore Airlines' Singapore to New York route at over 18 hours.
During the maiden flight, the Airbus test crew conducted general performance checks and tested the new fuel system. The aircraft reached an altitude of over 41,000 feet. This begins a two-month flight test campaign to certify modifications, including tests on ventilation, temperature control, and a refrigeration system.
Australian airline Qantas has ordered the first 12 units as part of its 'Sunrise Project', with the first delivery scheduled for April 2027. The Qantas flights will feature reduced passenger numbers (238 instead of 300), a wellness area, and Wi-Fi. The project's name references the phenomenon where passengers on the longest flights can see the sun rise twice due to time zone differences.
