Qantas’ first Airbus A350-1000ULR for Project Sunrise completed its maiden test flight on June 2, 2026, starting the flight-test campaign for the airline’s ultra-long-haul programme. The aircraft is intended for non-stop services from Australia’s east coast to New York and London.
Airbus said the flight lasted three hours and 43 minutes and was conducted from Toulouse, with the aircraft reaching just above 41,000 feet. The test phase will run for roughly two months and will assess aircraft performance, the new fuel system architecture, cabin ventilation and temperature control, and a new galley air-conditioning system designed for very long sectors.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs for Project Sunrise, with the first delivery now expected in April 2027. Airbus said the second aircraft for Qantas is in advanced final assembly and will be the first delivered to the airline.