What happened during the first test flight?

On Tuesday, June 2, Airbus completed the maiden test flight of the A350-1000ULR — a specially modified widebody designed to fly up to 22 hours non-stop. The aircraft, registered as MSN707, took off and landed in Toulouse, France, staying airborne for 3 hours and 43 minutes. It reached an altitude of just over 41,000 feet (approximately 12,500 metres).

What makes the ULR different from a standard A350-1000?

ULR stands for Ultra Long Range. The key modification is an additional fuel tank holding 20,000 extra litres of fuel, extending the aircraft's range by more than 1,800 km compared with the standard version. The cabin systems are also upgraded, including a lighter and more efficient galley cooling system designed for marathon flights.

Which routes could this plane unlock?

The most anticipated route is Sydney to London — roughly 18,500 km — which would become the longest commercial flight in history, surpassing the current record held by Singapore Airlines on its Singapore–New York service (approximately 15,350 km, over 18 hours). Non-stop Sydney–New York flights are also on the table. Travellers could save up to four hours compared with today's one-stop itineraries.

Who ordered the plane and when will it fly commercially?

Australian carrier Qantas placed the first order: 12 A350-1000ULR units under its ambitious Project Sunrise — named because passengers on the longest eastbound legs will experience two sunrises due to time-zone crossings. Qantas also ordered 12 standard A350-1000s for other long-haul routes. Delivery of the first ULR is now expected in April 2027; the original launch target of 2025 was already pushed back to late 2026 before this latest revision.

What comes next in the testing programme?

Airbus says the first flight focused on general performance checks and validation of the new fuel-system architecture. A two-month test campaign follows, covering cabin ventilation, temperature control and the new galley refrigeration system, before the aircraft can be certified for revenue service.

Key Facts:
  • Test flight: 3 h 43 min, Toulouse–Toulouse, 2 June 2025
  • Max altitude reached: just above 41,000 ft (12,500 m)
  • Extra fuel capacity: +20,000 litres → +1,800 km range
  • Designed max flight time: up to 22 hours
  • Target route: Sydney–London (~18,500 km)
  • Current longest flight: Singapore–New York (~15,350 km)
  • First delivery to Qantas: April 2027
  • Project name: Project Sunrise