Overview
- Airbus and Qantas are preparing a nonstop validation flight from Toulouse to Melbourne in mid-to-late July to gather long‑range operational data for the A350‑1000ULR.
- The test aircraft is the Qantas‑configured A350‑1000ULR registered F‑WULR and fitted with an added rear centre fuel tank that reports suggest holds about 20,000 litres to extend range by roughly 2,000 km.
- The ULR completed its maiden flight on June 2 and has since flown validation sorties over Cardiff as engineers record systems and performance readings ahead of the marathon run.
- Qantas has ordered 12 bespoke A350‑1000ULRs, plans first delivery in April 2027, intends to put initial tickets on sale in February 2027, and aims to begin Project Sunrise nonstop London services from October 2027.
- Cabin changes focused on passenger wellbeing include a dedicated wellness zone and circadian lighting and meal timing developed with the University of Sydney, and successful validation could reshape Qantas’ route map and competitive position on Europe and US services.