World's Longest-Range Airliner Takes to the Skies in Historic First Flight
Photo Source: Airbus
The future of ultra-long-haul travel has taken a major step forward as the first Airbus A350-1000ULR completed its maiden flight from Toulouse, France.
Operating under callsign AIB01LR, the aircraft (MSN 707) took to the skies on June 2, 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter in commercial aviation. The flight lasted approximately three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of more than 41,000 feet while Airbus test pilots conducted a series of performance evaluations and systems checks.
Check the flight data: https://www.airnavradar.com/data/flights/AIB01LR/2815593826.
Built for Project Sunrise
The A350-1000ULR is being developed specifically for Qantas Airways as part of its ambitious Project Sunrise, which aims to connect Australia with major global destinations through nonstop flights previously considered impossible.
Once in service, the aircraft will enable direct flights between Sydney and London, covering nearly 10,000 nautical miles and taking up to 22 hours. The extended range is achieved by integrating an additional Rear Center Tank (RCT), increasing the aircraft's range by approximately 1,000 nautical miles compared to the standard A350-1000.
Testing the Limits
During the maiden flight, Airbus engineers focused on evaluating overall aircraft performance and validating the new fuel system architecture designed for these record-breaking routes.
The test campaign will continue for the next two months and will also certify several enhancements tailored for ultra-long-haul operations, including:
- A new, lighter, and more efficient galley cooling system
- Enhanced refrigeration units for long-duration flights
- Extensive testing of cabin ventilation and temperature control systems
- Validation of passenger comfort features for journeys lasting more than 20 hours
Following certification, MSN 707 will be retrofitted with Qantas' commercial interior configuration.
First Delivery Scheduled for 2027
The second A350-1000ULR currently under production will become the first aircraft delivered to Qantas, with handover expected in April 2027. The aircraft is already in the final stages of assembly and will soon receive its premium four-class cabin and Rolls-Royce engines.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs and an additional 12 standard A350-1000s, making the Australian carrier one of the largest future operators of the type.
Expanding the A350 Family
The A350-1000ULR joins the growing Airbus A350 family alongside the A350-900, A350-900ULR, and A350-1000 variants. Together, these aircraft have redefined long-haul travel with lower fuel consumption, reduced carbon emissions, and improved passenger comfort.
Airbus is also preparing the launch of the A350F freighter, with its first flight expected later this year. As of April 2026, the A350 Family had accumulated 1,579 orders from 68 customers worldwide, with more than 700 aircraft already in service across 41 operators.
With the successful first flight of AIB01LR, the world's longest-range commercial airliner is now one step closer to making nonstop Sydney-to-London flights a reality.
