The new Airbus model designed for direct flights of 22 hours has conducted its first test in France.

Airbus has successfully completed the first test flight of the A350-1000ULR model, an aircraft designed for ultra-long-haul routes, which could enable direct flights between Sydney and London, without stops, in approximately 22 hours.

The flight took place from Toulouse, France, where the aircraft, with serial number MSN 707, took off and returned after three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of over 12,500 meters. The test crew evaluated the overall performance of the aircraft and tested the new fuel system architecture. A two-month testing campaign follows for the certification of the modifications, including checks of cabin ventilation and temperature control.

The ULR variant features an additional 20,000-liter fuel tank, extending the range by over 1,800 km. Qantas has ordered the first 12 units, with the delivery of the first aircraft scheduled for April 2027, as part of the internal project 'Project Sunrise', which allows passengers to witness the sunrise twice. Flights will have a maximum of 238 passengers, a wellness area, and access to Wi-Fi.