The first Airbus A350-1000ULR for Qantas’ Project Sunrise completed its maiden flight on June 2, 2026, flying from Toulouse for three hours and 43 minutes and reaching slightly above 41,000 feet. The aircraft is the first of twelve ordered by Qantas and carries flight test instrumentation as part of the development and certification campaign.
The milestone advances a programme designed for nonstop services from Australia to London and New York. Qantas expects the first aircraft to be delivered in April 2027, placing the June flight squarely in the test and validation phase rather than entry into service.