Airbus has completed the first test flight of its A350-1000ULR, the commercial aircraft designed to fly non-stop for 22 hours, marking a step toward reshaping global air travel. The plane took off from Toulouse, France, on June 2, 2026, and landed after three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of 12.5 kilometers. This ultra-long-range variant boasts a maximum range of 17,964 kilometers, enabling direct connections between cities such as Sydney and London or New York without intermediate stops. The flight inaugurates a two-month certification campaign for the modifications.
Technical Innovations Behind Record Range
To achieve its unprecedented range, engineers incorporated an additional 20,000-liter fuel tank — designated RCT — in the rear center section of the fuselage. This modification extends the standard A350-1000's range by approximately 1,852 kilometers, removing the need for stopovers that can add up to four hours to travel time. During the test flight, the crew conducted general performance checks and tested the new fuel system architecture, according to an Airbus statement. The two-month test campaign will certify all structural and system changes before commercial service begins.
Lighter Systems and Structural Adjustments
Beyond extra fuel capacity, the A350-1000ULR replaces conventional galley cooling systems with lighter, more efficient units that reduce odor output and energy consumption on ultra-long journeys. Airbus also introduced several cabin adjustments, including new ventilation mechanisms and improved temperature control. These changes will be validated during the upcoming two months of practical evaluations. The test aircraft, MSN 707, is the first of 12 units ordered by Qantas for its Project Sunrise initiative.
Project Sunrise: Redefining Ultra-Long-Haul Travel
The operation, dubbed Project Sunrise, refers to the fact that passengers crossing multiple time zones will witness the sunrise twice during the flight. To mitigate the effects of jet lag, Qantas has partnered with sleep specialists to develop a dynamic schedule of meals and lighting. The first delivery to the Australian carrier is scheduled for April 2027, using the second aircraft produced from this batch. The timeline has faced delays, but Airbus continues with certification and production plans.
Enhanced Cabin Comfort for Marathon Flights
To prioritize passenger well-being during nearly 24 hours in the air, Qantas has reduced the A350-1000ULR's interior capacity to 238 seats, compared to about 300 in the standard configuration. The cabin will feature six private first-class suites with beds and wardrobes, 52 business-class seats with dividers and wireless chargers, 40 premium economy seats, and 140 economy seats — all equipped with Wi-Fi. A dedicated wellness zone will allow travelers to stretch and hydrate. These details are part of Qantas's strategy to make ultra-long-haul travel viable and comfortable.
The aircraft's final interior design also includes dynamic lighting systems adapted to the flight's duration and time zones. The airline's approach aims to minimize the physical toll of such extended journeys, which could last up to 22 hours non-stop. With these modifications, the A350-1000ULR is positioned as a key enabler for previously impractical direct routes. The outcome of the certification campaign will determine whether these features can be commercially deployed as planned.
The Qantas order for 12 aircraft underscores the airline's commitment to the ultra-long-haul concept. With the first delivery targeted for April 2027, the success of the certification campaign will be critical. Industry observers will be watching for any technical setbacks that could delay the timeline. If everything proceeds as planned, the A350-1000ULR could enter service and transform long-distance travel.