en.Wedoany.com Reported - Airbus's A350-1000ULR ultra-long-range aircraft, developed for Qantas, completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France, capable of flying non-stop for up to 22 hours. The flight lasted 3 hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude slightly above 41,000 feet, and was operated by an Airbus dedicated test flight crew.

During the maiden flight, the crew conducted routine aircraft performance checks and tested the new fuel system architecture, marking the start of a two-month flight test campaign aimed at completing modification certification. The A350-1000ULR is specifically developed for Qantas's "Project Sunrise," targeting non-stop flights between Sydney and London, a route spanning nearly 10,000 nautical miles. By integrating an additional aft center fuel tank, the aircraft's range is increased by 1,000 nautical miles compared to the standard A350-1000.

Testing will also certify a new galley air cooling system, which uses lighter and more efficient refrigeration units suitable for ultra-long-haul routes. Cabin ventilation and temperature control will undergo comprehensive testing. After the flight test campaign, MSN 707 will be retrofitted with a cabin according to Qantas's commercial specifications.

The second A350-1000ULR for Qantas (the first scheduled for delivery in April 2027) is in the final stages of assembly, soon to exit the paint shop, followed by engine installation and completion of a premium four-class cabin layout.

The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant in the A350 family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR, and A350-1000, setting new standards for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort in long-haul air travel. As of the end of April 2026, the A350 family has received 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with over 700 aircraft in operation across 41 carriers. Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs, plus 12 standard A350-1000s for its future long-haul network operations. Airbus is also developing the A350F freighter, which is scheduled for its maiden flight later this year.

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