The first Airbus A350-1000ULR destined for Qantas has completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, marking the start of the certification campaign for the airline's long-delayed Project Sunrise program.
The aircraft, designated MSN 707, flew for three hours and 43 minutes on June 2, reaching an altitude of more than 41,000 feet. Airbus said the flight included evaluations of the aircraft's general performance and tests of its modified fuel system.
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Developed specifically for Qantas, the A350-1000ULR is intended to operate some of the world's longest commercial flights, including planned nonstop services linking Sydney with London and New York. Airbus says the aircraft will be capable of missions lasting up to 22 hours.
The variant incorporates an additional rear center fuel tank that increases range by about 1,000 nautical miles compared with the standard A350-1000, giving the aircraft an estimated range approaching 10,000 nautical miles. Airbus is also certifying a revised galley cooling system and updates to the cabin environmental control system intended for ultra-long-haul operations.
MSN 707 is currently flying in a test configuration and has not yet received Qantas colors or its final passenger cabin. Following the flight-test campaign, the aircraft will be modified to the airline's commercial specifications.
The Project Sunrise program has faced several delays since its launch, with supply chain disruptions affecting aircraft production and cabin suppliers. Qantas had originally expected to introduce the aircraft earlier, but deliveries are now scheduled to begin in 2027.
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A second A350-1000ULR is already in final assembly at Airbus' Toulouse facility and is expected to become the first aircraft delivered to Qantas. The jet is due to leave the paint shop shortly before receiving its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and four-class cabin interior.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise and a further 12 standard A350-1000s for other long-haul routes. The airline expects the new fleet to become the backbone of its future ultra-long-range network.
At the end of April, Airbus had recorded 1,579 orders for the A350 family from 68 customers worldwide, with more than 700 aircraft delivered across all passenger variants.
