Qantas' Airbus A350-1000ULR Prepares for Marathon Test Flight

Qantas plans a long-haul test flight involving the first Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. The journey will span roughly 10,500 miles from Toulouse to Melbourne, enduring about 22 hours in the air. Scheduled for July 23-24, 2026, this test flight marks a significant step in the aircraft's certification process.

The Airbus A350-1000ULR will cover approximately 10,500 miles over 22 hours from Toulouse to Melbourne.

What has been confirmed

The flight involves airframe MSN 707, registered as F-WULR, which flew its maiden flight on June 2, 2026. Though the flight's specifics are not officially confirmed, it is a key part of a certification campaign aiming for 75 to 80 flight hours over two months. Qantas targets these ultralong-range flights to launch Project Sunrise services, including a nonstop route from Sydney to London by October 2027.

Why it matters

This test flight signifies progress for Qantas in realizing nonstop routes connecting Australia directly to Europe and North America, drastically reducing travel time. The quest for these routes emphasizes the airline's dedication to passenger comfort and operational efficiency in ultralong-haul travel.

FlyMarshall context

The Airbus A350-1000ULR, with a maximum range of 11,160 miles, reflects the advancement in aviation technology allowing unprecedented connectivity across continents. This innovation comes as airlines push the boundaries of comfort and convenience for long-duration flights. Qantas' Project Sunrise, by acquiring 12 such jets, signals a commitment to pioneering routes that will redefine lengthy air travel.

What happens next

Qantas aims to explore the aircraft's capabilities further through the certification process. Following this, the first A350-1000ULR delivery is expected in April 2027, influencing major route launches and potentially transforming ultralong-haul travel practices.