Airbus Successfully Completes First Flight of World's Longest Range A350-1000ULR

Airbus has announced the successful completion of the first flight of the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) in Toulouse, France. This aircraft is the first of 12 ordered by Qantas Airways. Equipped with specialized flight test instrumentation, the aircraft flew for 3 hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of over 41,000 feet. The flight was conducted by Airbus flight test crews.

The A350-1000ULR is being developed specifically for Qantas, making it possible to connect Sydney and London with non-stop flights for the first time in history. The aircraft features a flight range of approximately 10,000 nautical miles and a maximum flight time of up to 22 hours. This performance leap is primarily due to the addition of a Rear Center Tank (RCT), which extends the range by 1,000 nautical miles, achieving the longest range of any commercial aircraft.

The initial flight focused on overall aircraft performance checks and testing the new fuel system. Airbus will now embark on a two-month flight test program to obtain certification for these modifications. Additionally, the company aims to certify a new galley air cooling system, which includes lighter and more efficient refrigeration units tailored for ultra-long-haul travel. Detailed testing of cabin ventilation and temperature control functions will also be conducted.

Following the test program, the aircraft will be reconfigured to Qantas's passenger specifications. A second A350-1000ULR is currently in the final stages of assembly and is expected to roll out from the paint shop soon. It will then undergo engine installation and the fitting of a four-class premium cabin. This second aircraft is slated for delivery in April 2027 as the first delivery unit to Qantas.

The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant in the best-selling A350 family, following the A350-900, A350-900ULR, and A350-1000. The A350 family has set new standards for long-haul travel by significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while providing a new level of passenger comfort. Furthermore, the A350F freighter, currently under development, is scheduled for its first flight later this year.

As of the end of April 2026, the A350 family has secured a total of 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with more than 700 aircraft already in operation by 41 airlines worldwide. Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under its 'Project Sunrise' plan to launch non-stop flights on previously unserved ultra-long-haul routes, alongside 12 standard A350-1000s for its future long-distance operations.