Airbus A350-1000 ULR: maiden flight for Qantas non-stop routes

Aviation Airbus A350-1000 ULR completes maiden flight

2026-06-05 From Thomas Günnel | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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Airbus has completed the first test flight with the A350-1000 ULR. The aircraft currently has the longest range - and will connect Sydney non-stop with London and New York.

An Airbus A350-1000 ULR on a test flight in Toulouse.(Airbus) — An Airbus A350-1000 ULR on a test flight in Toulouse.
(Airbus)

The first of twelve models of Quantas' Airbus A350-1000 ULR has completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, equipped with special flight test equipment, flew for three hours and 43 minutes and reached an altitude of just over 12,500 meters. The flight was carried out by an Airbus flight test crew.

Airbus is developing the model for Quantas to enable non-stop flights between Sydney and New York and between Sydney and London for the first time - almost 10,000 nautical miles, around 18,500 kilometers, with flight times of up to 22 hours.

Additional tank for greater range

The range is made possible primarily thanks to an additional tank. This is installed in the tail and increases the range by 1,000 nautical miles, approximately 1,850 kilometers. During the maiden flight, the crew tested the general performance of the aircraft and the new fuel system architecture.

The flight marked the start of a two-month flight test campaign. Among other things, the crew certified a new air conditioning system for the galley. It has lighter and more efficient cooling units for very long flights. Tests are also being carried out on the cabin ventilation and temperature control.

After completion of the tests, Airbus will convert the model with the designation "MSN 707" to Qantas' commercial specifications. The second A350-1000 ULR produced for the airline is currently in final assembly and is scheduled for delivery in April 2027. Qantas has ordered a total of twelve A350-1000 ULRs. In addition, the airline has ordered twelve standard A350-1000s for use on its long-haul network.

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