Qantas A350-1000ULR test flight from France to Melbourne marks a major milestone in ultra long-haul aviation. The Airbus aircraft landed in Melbourne on Friday after a 19-hour nonstop journey from Toulouse, drawing global attention with over 67,000 flight trackers following its path.
Record-Breaking Test Flight Details
The A350-1000ULR, designed for Qantas’s upcoming Sydney-to-London direct route, flew nearly 17,000km on its first long-range test. Four Airbus flight test pilots and five engineers operated the aircraft, staying in Melbourne over the weekend before returning to Toulouse.
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Chief technical pilot Alex Passerini noted the return flight would last 23 hours, testing systems like fuel transfer and air conditioning. Data-driven rest breaks for crew will be a key feature of the aircraft’s design.
What Makes the A350-1000ULR Special?
This variant is built for up to 22 hours of nonstop flight. Qantas plans to launch the Sydney–London route in October 2027. The test model currently sports a tan exterior with Qantas logos, but production versions will wear the airline’s iconic white and red livery. The background to this story is set out in Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97: The 3-Meter Engine That Flew 24 Hours.
| Aircraft | Max Range | Test Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A350-1000ULR | ~22 hours | 19 hours (Toulouse–Melbourne) |
| Previous Qantas longest flights | ~17 hours | Perth–London |
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- Qantas aims to connect Sydney and London nonstop by 2027
- The A350-1000ULR can fly over 20,000km without refueling
- Advanced crew fatigue management systems are being tested
- Aviation enthusiasts can track future test flights via flightradar24
FAQ
When will Qantas start Sydney–London direct flights?
Qantas expects to launch the Sydney to London direct route in October 2027, pending successful testing and regulatory approvals.
How long was the test flight from France to Melbourne?
The Airbus A350-1000ULR flew from Toulouse, France to Melbourne, Australia in just over 19 hours, covering nearly 17,000 km.
What is the maximum range of the A350-1000ULR?
The aircraft is designed for nonstop flights of up to 22 hours, enabling routes like Sydney–London and possibly New York–Sydney.
This test flight brings Qantas one step closer to offering the world’s longest commercial air routes. With data-driven crew rest and cutting-edge fuel efficiency, the A350-1000ULR could transform long-haul travel for passengers and airlines alike.
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