Airbus A350-1000ULR completes 24-hour test flight for Qantas Project Sunrise

The Airbus A350-1000ULR flew from Melbourne to Toulouse in over 24 hours, advancing Qantas' plans for nonstop routes to New York and London.

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The Airbus A350-1000ULR, a variant developed for Qantas' Project Sunrise, has completed a test flight from Melbourne to Toulouse lasting more than 24 hours.

Qantas has ordered 12 of these aircraft for Project Sunrise, which aims to offer nonstop flights between Sydney and New York, as well as Sydney and London. Ticket sales are expected to begin in 2027.

Earlier in July 2026, the same aircraft conducted a test flight from Toulouse to Melbourne on July 23-24, lasting 19 hours and 13 minutes. The recent Melbourne-Toulouse flight extends the endurance record further, demonstrating the aircraft's capability for ultra-long-haul operations.