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TechAirbus A350-1000ULR completes 24-hour nonstop test flight
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Airbus successfully completed a marathon test flight of its specially adapted A350-1000ULR airliner, flying nonstop from Melbourne, Australia to Toulouse, France. The aircraft remained airborne for 24 hours and 24 minutes, covering 23,075 km. This test is a key milestone for Qantas' Project Sunrise, which aims to launch the world's longest commercial passenger services, including nonstop Sydney-London and Sydney-New York routes, starting in 2027. The flight was the second-most-tracked flight ever on Flightradar24, with over 3.6 million people following its progress. Qantas has ordered 12 of these modified aircraft, which will carry 20,000 additional liters of fuel and seat 238 passengers. The first delivery is expected in April 2027, with daily Sydney-London nonstop flights planned from October 2027.
Source report
The specially adapted A350-1000ULR airliner is due to debut with Qantas' nonstop Sydney-London route from 2027. PHOTO: REUTERS
Airbus has completed a marathon test flight lasting more than 24 hours, with an A350 jet developed for record-beating commercial flights touching down in Toulouse, France, from Melbourne on Tuesday. The flight triggered a surge in online tracking.
The test marks a key step in Qantas' Project Sunrise, which aims to launch the world's longest commercial passenger services and reshape long-haul travel by eliminating stopovers between Australia and Europe.
Key Details
- Flight duration: 24 hours and 24 minutes
- Distance covered: 23,075 km (nonstop)
- Aircraft: Specially adapted A350-1000ULR with an extra fuel tank
- Landing location: Airbus factory in Toulouse, France
Record-Breaking Tracking
Flight-tracking provider Flightradar24 reported that the trip was the second-most-tracked flight ever on its channels — behind only a 2024 flight carrying Queen Elizabeth II's coffin — with more than 3.6 million people following its progress northwards via Canada.
Context and Comparison
In 2005, a Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner flew 21,601.7 km from Hong Kong to London in 22 hours and 42 minutes.
Qantas' Project Sunrise
- Qantas has ordered 12 modified A350-1000ULR aircraft, designed to connect Australia's east coast with London and New York in about 20 hours.
- The services aim to transform what was once a five-day journey on the "Kangaroo Route" to London into a single flight lasting 19 to 21 hours, depending on routing and winds.
- The first aircraft, which carries 20,000 additional litres of fuel and can seat 238 passengers, is due for delivery in April 2027.
- Qantas expects to operate daily nonstop flights between Sydney and London from October 2027.
Airbus has been conducting a two-month test campaign on the aircraft since June.
Source: REUTERS
Source
The Business TimesWestern
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Airbus A350 completes record-breaking 24-hour nonstop test flight from Australia to France