Qantas’ Project Sunrise aircraft breaks world distance record

Qantas’ Project Sunrise aircraft breaks world distance record

An Airbus A350-1000ULR being developed for Qantas Airways’ Project Sunrise has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest flight by distance by a commercial airliner, Airbus announced.

The Airbus-operated test flight covered 23,155 kilometres over 24 hours and 24 minutes, flying from Melbourne to Toulouse, France, via the Pacific, North America and the Atlantic.

The achievement marks a milestone for Qantas’ plans to launch non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York, with journeys lasting up to 22 hours.

Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs for Project Sunrise. The first delivery is scheduled for April 2027, with Sydney–London service expected to begin later that year.

The record flight departed Melbourne on July 27 and landed in Toulouse on July 28. According to Airbus, the aircraft data was independently validated by the International Aeronautical Federation and Flightradar24.

The mission formed part of the aircraft’s flight test campaign, which required a sector with a block time of at least 23 hours — measured from pushback to arrival at the parking position — to simulate its longest planned commercial operations.

After departing Melbourne, the aircraft flew over Sydney before heading northeast across the Pacific towards Los Angeles. It then crossed North America and the Atlantic, flying over London before continuing to Toulouse. Along the way, those on board witnessed two sunsets and two sunrises.

Thirteen people were aboard, including Airbus test pilots and engineers, two Qantas pilots and a representative of the International Aeronautical Federation.

“This achievement reflects the pioneering and innovative spirit that is part of our DNA at Airbus. In responding to the challenge laid down by Qantas, our teams came together to extend the range of the A350-1000 in an efficient and economically viable way to undertake the world's longest ever commercial flights,” Lars Wagner, chief executive officer of commercial aircraft at Airbus, said.

“Flying 12,503 nautical miles non-stop, we have fully proven the aircraft's capability to fulfill its mission. And the world record was the icing on the cake!”

The ultra-long-range variant incorporates an additional rear centre fuel tank, extending the A350-1000’s range by approximately 1,852 kilometres.

In addition to its Project Sunrise aircraft, Qantas has ordered 12 standard A350-1000s for its broader long-haul network.

Don't miss a single travel story:  subscribe to PAX  today!   Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.