Airbus will execute a 22-hour non-stop endurance test of its A350-1000ULR from Toulouse to Melbourne next week, landing 24 July 2026. This flight constitutes roughly 25% of the 75–80 hours required for EASA certification of the variant featuring a 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank and MTOW of 324 t. The test validates the aircraft’s >18,500 km range capability, enabling future non-stop Sydney–London (17,016 km) and Sydney–New York routes for Qantas’ Project Sunrise. The first of 12 ordered A350-1000ULRs is scheduled for delivery in April 2027, with commercial service launching October 2027. Exact departure timing remains unconfirmed, though the aircraft follows its maiden flight on 2 June 2026.