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Qantas A350-1000ULR Embarks on Marathon Test Flight to Australia

July 15, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

Qantas' A350-1000ULR to fly from France to Australia for the first time.
The 22-hour journey will test the aircraft's systems and gather data.
The flight is part of Qantas' Project Sunrise, launching in October 2027.
The A350-1000ULR features an extra 20,000-litre rear center tank.

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Strategic Implications

This test flight may indicate Airbus' confidence in the A350-1000ULR's ultra long-haul capabilities. The successful completion of this marathon flight could strengthen Qantas' competitive position in the long-haul market, which suggests a significant shift in the airline's strategy. The data collected during this flight may also inform future improvements to the aircraft's design and performance.

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What Happened

Airbus Prepares for Ultra Long-Haul Challenge with Qantas Partnership

Airbus is preparing for a marathon test flight with Qantas’ upcoming A350-1000ULR aircraft, scheduled to fly from France to Australia for the first time. The 22-hour journey will test the aircraft’s systems and gather data on every aspect of the flight. The A350-1000ULR is part of Qantas’ Project Sunrise, which aims to connect Australia’s east coast directly to London. The first flight from Sydney to London is set to depart in October 2027. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: July 15, 2026

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