The A350-1000ULR (MSN 707), the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France. Fitted with special flight test instrumentation, the aircraft flew for three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet. The aircraft was operated by a dedicated Airbus Flight Test crew.
The A350-1000ULR is being developed for Qantas Airways to enable non-stop flights between Sydney and London for the first time, covering a distance of almost 10,000 nautical miles, with flight times of up to 22 hours. This capability is made possible primarily through the integration of an additional rear centre tank (RCT) into the aircraft structure, further enhancing aircraft performance and increasing its range by 1,000 nautical miles.
During the first flight, the crew conducted general aircraft performance checks and tested the new fuel system architecture. The flight marks the beginning of a two-month flight test campaign to certify the modifications. A new galley air cooling system will also be certified, featuring lighter and more efficient refrigeration units designed for very long flights. The aircraft’s cabin ventilation and temperature control systems will also undergo thorough testing.
Following completion of the flight test campaign, MSN 707 will be retrofitted to Qantas’ commercial specifications.
The second A350-1000ULR produced for Qantas, and the first scheduled for delivery to the airline in April 2027, is now at an advanced stage of final assembly and is ready to roll out of the paint shop. This will be followed by completion of the premium four-class cabin configuration and engine installation.
The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and A350-1000. Together, the aircraft have established new standards in long-haul air travel, with reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions alongside enhanced levels of passenger comfort.
The passenger line-up will soon be joined by the all-new A350F freighter, which is also under development at Airbus, with its first flight planned later this year.
At the end of April 2026, the A350 Family had secured 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with more than 700 aircraft flying with 41 operators, primarily on long-haul services around the world.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise, which is designed to overcome one of the remaining frontiers in non-stop travel from Australia. In addition, the airline has 12 standard A350-1000 aircraft on order for future operations across its long-haul network.
