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Airbus Completes 24-Hour Test Flight of Qantas A350-1000ULR

July 28, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Airbus completes 24-hour test flight of Qantas A350-1000ULR.
Flight covered transpacific route from Melbourne to Toulouse.
Aircraft features rear center fuel tank for increased range.
Qantas aims for low seat density and passenger comfort.

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Strategic Implications

This test flight may indicate Airbus' confidence in the A350-1000ULR's capabilities for ultra-long-haul operations. The focus on passenger comfort suggests Qantas is prioritizing customer experience, which could set a new standard for long-haul flights and may influence other airlines' fleet decisions.

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What Happened

Long-Endurance Trial Marks Milestone for Project Sunrise

Airbus has successfully completed a 24-hour long-endurance test flight of Qantas’ upcoming A350-1000ULR aircraft, flying from Melbourne to Toulouse. The flight, which lasted 24 hours and 23 minutes, is part of Project Sunrise, a collaboration between Airbus and Qantas to develop ultra-long-haul capabilities. The A350-1000ULR features a rear center fuel tank, increasing its range by about 1,000 nautical miles, and is designed with a low seat density to prioritize passenger comfort. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in April 2027. This milestone was reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: July 28, 2026

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