New Airbus jet completes record 24-hour flight from Australia to France
An Airbus A350-1000ULR test flight between Australia and France exceeded 24 hours, aiming to pave the way for the world's longest nonstop commercial flights.
An Airbus passenger jet has completed an ultra-long test flight spanning over 24 hours, flying from Australia to France. The flight, which took off on July 23 from Toulouse and landed in Melbourne on July 24 after 19 hours and 13 minutes, is a key step in preparing for the world's longest commercial nonstop flights.
The A350-1000ULR aircraft was developed with Qantas Airways in mind for its planned nonstop routes between Sydney and destinations like New York or London. Qantas has ordered a dozen of these new airliners for its Project Sunrise initiative.
This extended test flight followed initial testing near Airbus's facilities in Toulouse. The aircraft operated with a small team of test pilots and engineers aboard. The flight's duration and route confirm the aircraft's capability for extreme long-haul operations.
Project Sunrise aims to introduce direct flights to previously inaccessible destinations from Australia. Qantas plans to begin selling tickets for these new routes in 2027, with the A350-1000ULR serving as the primary aircraft for these services.