The aircraft was fitted with special flight test instrumentation for the flight. It flew for three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude slightly above 41,000 feet with a dedicated Airbus flight test crew at the controls.
The A350-1000ULR is being developed for Qantas Airways to enable non-stop flights between Sydney and London for the first time. The route covers almost 10,000 nautical miles, with flight times of up to 22 hours.
Airbus said the aircraft’s range increase is made possible mainly by the integration of an additional rear centre tank into the aircraft structure. The modification further improves performance and increases range by 1,000 nautical miles.
During the first flight, the crew carried out general aircraft performance checks. They also tested the new fuel system architecture.
The flight marks the start of a two-month flight test campaign to certify the modifications. Airbus said a new galley air cooling system will also be certified, using lighter and more efficient refrigeration units for very long flights.
The cabin ventilation and temperature control system will also be thoroughly tested. After the flight test campaign, MSN 707 will be retrofitted to Qantas’ commercial specifications.
The second A350-1000ULR for Qantas, and the first scheduled for delivery to the airline, is now at an advanced stage of final assembly. Airbus said it is ready to roll out of the paint shop in the coming days.
That aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to Qantas in April 2027. It will then undergo completion of its premium four-class cabin layout and engine installation.
The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the A350 family. It joins the A350-900, A350-900ULR and A350-1000.
Airbus said the A350 family has set new standards in long-haul air travel. The company cited reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions, as well as improved passenger comfort.
The passenger variants will be joined by the A350F freighter, which is also under development at Airbus. Its first flight is planned for later this year.
At the end of April 2026, the A350 family had won 1,579 orders from 68 customers. More than 700 aircraft were flying with 41 operators, mainly on long-haul services worldwide.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise. The programme is intended to address one of the remaining limits in non-stop travel from Australia.
The airline also has 12 standard A350-1000 aircraft on order. Those aircraft are intended for future operation across Qantas’ long-haul network.
