Overview
- The specially modified A350‑1000ULR flew non‑stop from Toulouse to Melbourne and touched down in Melbourne on Friday, July 24, 2026, after roughly 19 hours and about 17,000 kilometres in the air.
- Airbus and Qantas used the flight as a flying laboratory carrying tonnes of test equipment and about 1,000 sensors to validate the new 20,000‑litre rear centre fuel tank and to check fuel transfer, air‑conditioning and other onboard systems.
- The aircraft is the first of 12 bespoke A350‑1000ULRs ordered by Qantas, each fitted with 238 seats and cabin features aimed at passenger wellbeing on flights that could last up to about 22–23 hours.
- The jet will return to Airbus for more test flights and data collection before formal certification; Airbus now expects the first delivery in April 2027, tickets are due on sale in February 2027, and Qantas plans to start Sydney–London non‑stop services in October 2027 subject to remaining tests and supply‑chain timing.
- If it enters service the route will need multiple aircraft to support a daily schedule, is likely to command higher fares focused on premium demand, and places Qantas in direct competition with carriers already operating or planning very long‑haul services.