Qantas's new ultra long-range aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000ULR, landed in Melbourne on Friday, July 24, 2026, after a 19-hour test flight from Toulouse, France. The flight covered approximately 17,000 kilometers, according to Qantas.
The A350-1000ULR is designed for Qantas's Project Sunrise, aiming to operate non-stop flights from Australia to destinations like London and New York. The aircraft features a modified fuel system and aerodynamic improvements to extend its range.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson said the test flight marks a key milestone for the airline's long-haul ambitions. The airline expects to begin commercial Project Sunrise flights in late 2026 or early 2027, pending regulatory approvals.
The aircraft carried a reduced payload for the test, including engineers and monitoring equipment. Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs for the project.
