Airbus’ A350-1000ULR Goes Airborne

Manufacturer’s first ultra-long-range variant has made two flights as of Thursday afternoon.

Jack Daleo

Friday, June 05, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Airbus’ first A350-1000ULR makes its inaugural flight in Toulouse, France. [Credit: Airbus]

Key Takeaways:

The first Airbus A350-1000ULR, designed as the world’s longest-range commercial airliner, completed its debut test flight.
Developed specifically for Qantas Airways' "Project Sunrise," this aircraft boasts a 10,000 nautical mile range to enable direct flights such as Sydney to New York or London.
Key enhancements include an additional fuel tank for extended range and passenger comfort features like reduced seating (238 vs 350), a new galley air cooling system, and a planned "wellbeing zone."
Although initial deliveries to Qantas are delayed until April 2027 due to supply chain issues, current test flights are validating its range-extending modifications and overall performance.

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The first Airbus A350-1000ULR, billed as the world’s longest-range commercial airliner, finally took off this week, according to the European manufacturer.

Australia’s Qantas Airways in 2017 challenged Airbus and Boeing to extend the range of their next-generation aircraft. Airbus accepted, and Qantas in 2022 ordered a dozen A350-1000ULRs, which have a projected range of about 10,000 nm. That’s long enough to fly from Sydney to New York City or London, the two routes the airline envisions for its new additions.