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Model A350-1000ULR completed its first test flight and advances in the project that aims to create the longest non-stop commercial route on the planet
Commercial aviation has taken another step towards ultra-long-haul flights. On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Airbus conducted the first test flight of the A350-1000ULR, an aircraft developed to operate routes of up to 22 hours non-stop.
Data released by the manufacturer shows that the MSN 707 model remained airborne for 3 hours and 43 minutes during an experimental flight conducted in Toulouse, France. The aircraft reached over 41,000 feet of altitude, equivalent to approximately 12,500 meters.
The program was created primarily to serve the Australian airline Qantas, which intends to connect Sydney directly to London and New York, eliminating stopovers on some of the world’s longest routes.
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First test marks the beginning of the certification phase
The experimental flight took place with a specialized Airbus team responsible for evaluating the aircraft’s systems.
Information from the manufacturer indicates that the pilots performed general performance checks and analyzed the operation of the new fuel system architecture.
The operation officially marked the start of the model’s certification campaign. The schedule foresees approximately two months of tests to validate all the modifications implemented on the aircraft.
Airbus specialists will also evaluate systems related to passenger comfort, including cabin ventilation, temperature control, and new equipment installed in the onboard kitchen.
Additional tank extends autonomy for extreme flights
The differential of the A350-1000ULR is directly linked to its ability to cover exceptional distances without the need for refueling.
The acronym ULR stands for Ultra Long Range, an expression used to identify ultra-long-range aircraft.
According to Airbus, the version received an extra tank capable of storing more than 20,000 liters of fuel.
The modification extends the range by more than 1,800 kilometers, allowing operations that exceed the conventional configuration limits of the A350-1000.
Currently, the longest commercial flight in the world is operated by Singapore Airlines between Singapore and New York. The route is about 15,350 kilometers and exceeds 18 hours in duration.
Qantas’ project plans flights between Sydney and London with approximately 18,500 kilometers, further raising this benchmark.
Private cabin of the business class of the Airbus A350-1000ULR with a wide seat, work table, entertainment screen, and panoramic windows, a configuration developed for ultra-long-haul flights of Qantas’ Project Sunrise.
Project Sunrise aims to change the long-distance flight experience
Qantas ordered the first 12 units of the A350-1000ULR to enable the so-called Project Sunrise.
The name was chosen because passengers will be able to observe the sunrise twice during certain routes, a consequence of the time zone differences throughout the journeys.
The delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled for April 2027.
Previous plans indicated a debut in 2025. Subsequently, the schedule was moved to the end of 2026 before the new forecast was set.
Another 12 A350-1000 aircraft were also ordered for long-distance international routes.
The cabin will have fewer passengers and more comfort
The internal configuration was designed to prioritize comfort on journeys that could last almost an entire day.
Each flight will carry up to 238 passengers, a number lower than the approximately 300 seats normally available in the conventional version of the aircraft.
The distribution includes:
• 6 seats in first class
• 52 seats in business class
• 40 seats in premium economy
• 140 seats in economy class
First class will feature a private room, bed, reclining chair, 32-inch television, wardrobe, and dining space.
Business class passengers will have two-meter-long seats, wireless charging, 18-inch television, and the option to close the cabin.
Premium economy will offer leg rests, headrests, and a 13.3-inch individual screen.
Economy class will receive additional legroom and the same individual entertainment system.
Passenger well-being is at the heart of the project
Qantas’ plan includes a dedicated area for passenger well-being during the journey.
The space will allow for stretching, hydration, and meals along the route.
All occupants will also have access to Wi-Fi connection during the flight.
The company’s teams worked with sleep specialists to reduce the effects of jet lag.
Lighting systems and meal times were specifically developed to help passengers adapt to time zone changes.
The project is still in the testing phase, but it already raises an interesting question for the future of aviation.
Would you spend up to 22 hours inside a plane to reach the other side of the world without making any stops?
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