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The A350-1000ULR, Airbus’s latest long-haul aircraft, successfully completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France, on June 2, 2026. This aircraft is the first of a total of twelve units ordered by Qantas. The flight lasted three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of over 12,500 meters. On board was a specialized test team from Airbus.
The A350-1000ULR was specifically developed for Qantas Airways to enable nonstop flights between Sydney and London for the first time. The distance is nearly 18,500 kilometers, with flight times potentially reaching up to 22 hours. This is achieved through the integration of an additional rear central tank (RCT) into the aircraft structure, which increases the range by 1,000 nautical miles. This is only possible with simultaneous reductions in the cargo capacity, which in the standard A350-1000 version includes 44 positions for LD3 containers (or 14 standard pallets).
Test flights and certification
During the first flight, the crew conducted general performance tests of the aircraft and tested the new fuel system architecture. This flight marks the beginning of a two-month test campaign for the certification of the modifications. Additionally, a new cooling system for the galley is being certified, which includes lighter and more efficient cooling units for very long flights. The ventilation and temperature control of the cabin are also being extensively tested.
Upon completion of the test campaign, the aircraft MSN 707 will be modified to meet Qantas’s commercial specifications. The second A350-1000ULR, being produced for Qantas and expected to be delivered in April 2027, is already in an advanced stage of final assembly and will roll out of the paint shop in the coming days. After that, the completion of the premium cabin layout with four classes and the installation of the engines will take place.
The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the A350 family, which already includes the A350-900, A350-900ULR, and A350-1000 models. These aircraft have set new standards in long-haul flight, particularly through a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, as well as a high level of passenger comfort.
Additionally, the passenger fleet will soon be complemented by the new A350F freighter, which is also currently being developed by Airbus, with its first flight planned for later this year.
By the end of April 2026, the A350 family had received a total of 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with over 700 aircraft in operation with 41 operators worldwide, primarily on long-haul flights.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs as part of Project Sunrise, which aims to overcome one of the last challenges in nonstop travel from Australia. Furthermore, the airline has also ordered 12 standard A350-1000s for future operations in its long-haul network.
