Qantas tests new ultra long-range Airbus in 17,000km flight 2026

Qantas has successfully completed a landmark test flight of its new ultra long-range Airbus A350-1000ULR, flying nonstop from Toulouse, France, to Melbourne, Australia—a distance of nearly 17,000 kilometers. The aircraft touched down after 19 hours in the air, marking a critical step toward the airline’s goal of launching the world’s longest commercial flights.

Inside the Record-Breaking Test Flight

The A350-1000ULR departed Airbus’s manufacturing facility in Toulouse at 7:33 a.m. local time on Thursday and landed in Melbourne at 10:46 a.m. local time on Friday. Over 67,000 people tracked the flight on Flightradar24, making it the most-watched flight globally that day. The test was operated by four Airbus flight test pilots and five flight test engineers, with two Qantas pilots joining for the return journey.

According to Qantas Chief Technical Pilot Alex Passerini, the return flight will take approximately 23 hours, during which the crew will evaluate systems ranging from fuel transfer to air conditioning. “Everyone’s going to get tired,” Passerini said, but noted that the airline’s “data-driven” systems will help manage crew rest breaks.

Why This Flight Matters for Long-Haul Travel

The A350-1000ULR is designed to fly up to 22 hours nonstop and will power Qantas’s highly anticipated Sydney-to-London direct route, expected to launch in October 2027. This test validates the aircraft’s range and reliability under real-world conditions. The test model arrived without the Qantas livery—featuring a tan exterior and Qantas logos on the wingtips—but the first production aircraft will wear the iconic white and red colors.

Comparison: A350-1000ULR vs. Previous Long-Haul Aircraft

Key Takeaways from the A350-1000ULR Test

• The aircraft completed a 19-hour nonstop flight from France to Australia covering nearly 17,000 km.
• Over 67,000 aviation enthusiasts tracked the flight live, reflecting strong interest in ultra long-haul travel.
• Qantas plans to use the aircraft for Sydney-London direct services, set to commence in October 2027.
• Four Airbus pilots and five engineers conducted the test, with Qantas pilots joining the return flight to evaluate crew rest protocols.
• The production version will carry Qantas’s full livery and is expected to enter service after regulatory approval.

What’s Next for Qantas and Airbus?

The A350-1000ULR will remain in Melbourne over the weekend before departing for Toulouse on Monday. During the return leg, the crew will test additional systems and gather data to refine the aircraft’s performance. Qantas has ordered 12 of the ultra long-range jets and expects to begin revenue flights on the “Project Sunrise” routes—Sydney to London and Sydney to New York—in 2027.

Passerini emphasized that the test program is on schedule and that the aircraft’s advanced technology will ensure passenger comfort and safety even on flights exceeding 20 hours. “We’re learning a lot from these flights,” he said. “It’s one thing to simulate it on the ground, but actually flying it in real conditions is invaluable.”

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