Airbus completes first flight of plane that can fly non-stop for 22 hours

Airbus announced on Tuesday (June 2) that its new A350-1000ULR, an ultra-long-range widebody jet designed to fly for up to 22 hours without stopping, has completed its maiden test flight successfully.

During the flight, the aircraft – equipped with specialized testing equipment – spent three hours and 43 minutes in the air and climbed to just over 41,000 feet (12,500 meters), according to the European aircraft manufacturer.

The A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) is being developed to support some of the world's longest commercial routes. For Qantas Airways, in particular, enabling non-stop flights between Sydney and New York and London for the first time ever – a distance of almost 10,000 nautical miles, with flight times of up to 22 hours.

This is made possible primarily by the integration into the aircraft structure of an additional rear centre tank (RCT), enhancing further the aircraft performance and increasing the range of the aircraft by 1,000 nautical miles.

Qantas has ordered 12 of the aircraft to launch the route under “Project Sunrise,” which is designed to overcome one of the last frontiers in non-stop travel from Australia.

Airbus expects to deliver the first aircraft to Qantas in April 2027, later than the airline’s original target of beginning the service in 2025.

The test flight, which departed from Airbus’s facility in Toulouse, France, marks the start of a two-month certification program.

The aircraft includes several modifications compared with existing A350 models, most notably an additional fuel tank that extends its range to approximately 18,500 kilometers.

For comparison, the longest scheduled passenger flight currently operating is run by Singapore Airlines between Singapore and New York, covering roughly 15,350 kilometers and lasting more than 18 hours.

The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the best-selling A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and the A350-1000.

Together, the aircraft are introducing new standards in long-haul air travel, with a step-change reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and new levels of passenger comfort.

The line-up will soon be joined by the all-new A350F freighter, also currently under development at Airbus, with first flight planned later this year.

At the end of April 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with over 700 aircraft flying with 41 operators, primarily on long-haul services across the globe.

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