Airbus Completes Record 24-Hour Test Flight Ahead of Qantas Ultra-Long-Haul Service
TOULOUSE: Airbus has successfully completed a record-breaking 24-hour test flight with a specially modified A350-1000 Ultra Long Range (ULR) aircraft, marking an important milestone before the aircraft enters service with Qantas.
The aircraft landed in Toulouse, France, after departing from Melbourne, Australia, covering approximately 23,076 kilometers in 24 hours and 24 minutes.
Milestone for Ultra-Long-Haul Aviation
The test flight is part of preparations for Qantas’ upcoming ultra-long-haul operations. The Australian airline is expected to receive its first Airbus A350-1000ULR in April 2027, with additional aircraft scheduled to join its fleet later.
The new aircraft are designed to operate non-stop flights between Australia and destinations in Europe and North America, reducing travel time for passengers on some of the world’s longest routes.
Advanced Aircraft Design
The A350-1000ULR has been specially modified for extended-range operations.
One of its key features is an additional 20,000-liter rear center fuel tank, allowing the aircraft to travel significantly longer distances without refueling.
During the outbound journey from France to Australia, the aircraft flew approximately 17,000 kilometers in just over 19 hours before completing the record-setting return flight.
Testing Key Aircraft Systems
Airbus said the flight allowed engineers to evaluate several systems under real operating conditions, including:
- Performance of the extended-range fuel system
- Cabin noise reduction improvements
- Air circulation and environmental control systems
- Overall aircraft performance during ultra-long-duration flights
The flight was operated by Airbus test pilots, accompanied by Qantas pilots and engineering specialists who monitored the aircraft throughout the journey.
Part of Qantas’ Project Sunrise
The aircraft will support Qantas’ Project Sunrise, an initiative aimed at introducing some of the world’s longest non-stop commercial flights.
Under the project, Qantas plans to launch non-stop Sydney-London services beginning in October 2027, followed by direct flights between Sydney and New York.
The airline says the project is intended to improve convenience for travelers by eliminating stopovers on long international routes.
Growing Demand for Long-Range Travel
Ultra-long-haul flights continue to gain attention as airlines invest in aircraft capable of connecting distant cities with direct services.
At present, one of the world’s longest scheduled commercial flights is operated by Singapore Airlines, connecting Singapore and New York with a journey of more than 18 hours.
The successful Airbus test flight represents another step forward in the development of next-generation long-range commercial aviation.
