Qantas has reached a significant milestone in its quest to operate 22-hour non-stop flights to two of the world's most sought-after destinations: New York and London. The airline's new ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000ULR completed its maiden test flight on Tuesday afternoon local time from Toulouse, France, marking a step forward in the ambitious Project Sunrise initiative.
Test Flight Details
The test flight lasted nearly four hours and kicked off a two-month testing campaign. During this period, the aircraft will undergo approximately 80 hours of flight testing, along with extensive on-ground checks and certification of new and redesigned components. The plane, which is the second of 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft ordered by Qantas, reached an altitude of over 41,000 feet during the test.
An Airbus flight test crew operated the aircraft, evaluating the new fuel system and conducting general performance assessments. The ultra-long-range model features an additional fuel tank that extends flight range by about 1,800 kilometers, along with lighter and more efficient refrigeration units designed for long-haul operations.
Delivery and Fleet Plans
Qantas expects to receive its first A350-1000ULR in April 2027, though supply chain disruptions have previously delayed delivery by four months. The second aircraft, tested this week, will now be fitted with a four-class cabin layout and painted in Qantas livery before delivery. The airline plans to announce the first route and timing of passenger flights later this month.
Project Sunrise, announced in 2017, aims to acquire 12 ultra-long-range A350s. Following the April delivery, the next four planes are expected to arrive in quick succession, putting the program back on its original schedule by November. Pilots are currently training on simulators in Sydney to operate the new aircraft.
Route Impact
Currently, Qantas operates non-stop flights from Perth to London, which take about 18 hours. The new ultra-long-range planes will reduce travel time by approximately four hours on flights from Australia's east coast to London or New York, eliminating the need for a layover. This will position Qantas among the leaders in ultra-long-haul aviation, competing with routes like Singapore Airlines' New York-Singapore services and Qatar Airways' Auckland-Doha route.
The successful test flight brings Qantas closer to offering direct connections from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to these key global hubs, revolutionizing travel for Australian passengers.
