World's longest range aircraft ever: Airbus tests game-changing A350-1000ULR that can fly 22 hours non-stop

Equipped with specialised flight test instrumentation, the aircraft flew for three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of just over 41,000 feet. The test flight was conducted by an Airbus flight test crew.

The A350-1000ULR is being developed for Qantas’ ambitious “Project Sunrise,” which aims to enable non-stop commercial flights between Sydney and destinations such as New York and London for the first time. The ultra-long-haul routes are expected to span nearly 10,000 nautical miles, with flight durations of up to 22 hours.

The extended range capability is made possible through structural modifications, including the integration of an additional rear centre fuel tank (RCT), which enhances fuel capacity and increases the aircraft’s range by approximately 1,000 nautical miles.

During the first flight, the crew conducted general performance checks and evaluated the new fuel system architecture. Airbus said this marks the beginning of a two-month flight test campaign aimed at certifying the aircraft’s modifications.

The campaign will also include certification of a new galley air cooling system featuring lighter, more efficient refrigeration units designed for ultra-long-haul operations. Cabin ventilation and temperature control systems will also undergo detailed testing.

Following completion of the flight test programme, MSN 707 will be retrofitted to Qantas’ commercial specifications.

Meanwhile, the second A350-1000ULR for Qantas is in an advanced stage of final assembly and is expected to roll out of the paint shop in the coming days. This will be followed by cabin installation in a four-class configuration and engine integration ahead of delivery, scheduled for April 2027.

The A350-1000ULR is the latest variant in Airbus’ A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR, and A350-1000 models. Airbus said the aircraft family continues to set benchmarks in long-haul aviation, offering reduced fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort.

The manufacturer also noted that the upcoming A350F freighter variant is currently under development, with its first flight expected later this year.

As of April 2026, the A350 Family has received 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with more than 700 aircraft already in service with 41 operators worldwide.

Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft under Project Sunrise, along with 12 standard A350-1000s, to expand its long-haul fleet and reshape ultra-long-distance air travel.