Airbus A350 Completes Ultra-Long-Haul Test Flight for Qantas' 'Project Sunrise'

A new achievement has been recorded in the history of ultra-long-haul aviation. The latest Airbus A350-1000ULR successfully landed in Melbourne, Australia, after completing a nonstop test flight from Toulouse, France, which lasted more than 19 hours. The long-haul flight is part of the preparations for ‘Project Sunrise’, an ambitious project by Australian airline Qantas. This project aims to connect major Australian cities directly with global destinations such as London and New York without the need for transit. These direct routes are projected to cut travel time by up to four hours compared to conventional routes that require a stopover. When operating commercially, the flight duration could stretch between 19 and 22 hours, covering a distance of more than 10,000 miles. To support this extreme range capability, Airbus specially designed the A350-1000ULR by adding an extra fuel tank with a capacity of 20,000 litres. This additional tank allows the commercial jet to remain airborne for up to 22 hours nonstop. In terms of comfort, Qantas has configured the cabin with only 238 seats. This is the lowest seat density of any A350 variant ever built. The layout is intended to provide passengers with more space to move during the long journey. Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped with a dedicated Wellbeing Zone designed for stretching and relaxation. Following the completion of this initial test phase, the delivery of the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas is scheduled for April 2027. The official commercial launch of the ‘Project Sunrise’ service is targeted for October 2027. The launch of this route is set to break the record for the world’s longest commercial flight, reshaping the landscape of long-haul air travel.