✈️ Exclusive Benefits for Readers
Verified codes to save on your next trip.
The A350-1000ULR (MSN 707), the first of the 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, completed its first flight in Toulouse, France.
The aircraft, equipped with special instrumentation for flight tests, flew for three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude slightly higher than 41.000 pies. The flight was piloted by a crew dedicated to flight testing of Airbus.
The A350-1000 ULR is being developed for Qantas Airways in order to allow non-stop flights between sydney and London for the first time in history, a distance of almost 10.000 nautical miles, with flight times of up to 22 hours. This is mainly possible thanks to the integration into the aircraft structure of an additional rear center tank. (RCT), which further improves the aircraft's performance and increases its autonomy in 1.000 nautical miles.
Airbus A350-1000ULR took off for the first time
During the first flight, the crew performed general aircraft performance checks and tested the new fuel system architecture. This marks the start of a two-month flight test campaign to certify the modifications.. What's more, a new kitchen refrigeration system will be certified, incorporating lighter and more efficient cooling units for long-duration flights. Cabin ventilation and temperature control will also undergo extensive testing.
After the flight test campaign, the msn 707 will adapt to the commercial specifications of Qantas.
The second A350-1000ULR built for Qantas, and the first whose delivery to the airline is scheduled for April 2027, It is in an advanced phase of final assembly and ready to leave the paint shop in the coming days. Subsequently, four-class premium cabin configuration will be completed and engines installed.
The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the successful family A350, joining the A350-900, the A350-900ULR and the A350-1000. On the whole, These aircraft have set new standards in long-haul air travel., with a drastic reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and new levels of passenger comfort.
The new cargo plane will soon join the passenger range A350F, also in development in Airbus, whose first flight is scheduled for the end of this year.
At the end of April 2026, the A350 family had received 1.579 requests for 68 customers, more than 700 aircraft operating with 41 companies, mainly on long-distance routes worldwide.
Qantas has commissioned 12 A350-1000ULR within the framework of the Sunrise Project, designed to overcome one of the last barriers to non-stop flights from Australia. What's more, the airline also has 12 Standard A350-1000 commissioned for future operation on its long-haul network.
✈️ Exclusive Benefits for Readers
Search here for hotels ALL over the world at the best price.
