Qantas tests new ultra-long-range Airbus in 17,000km direct flight from France to Melbourne
Qantas has successfully completed a 19-hour test flight of its new Airbus A350-1000ULR from France to Melbourne. This aircraft is specifically designed for the airline's 'Project Sunrise,' which aims to launch ultra-long-haul direct flights between Sydney and London by 2027.
Why it matters
This development represents a significant milestone in aviation technology, potentially revolutionizing global travel by enabling the world's longest commercial non-stop routes.
A Qantas A350-1000ULR taking off from Toulouse on a previous test flight. The new plane, intended for use in Project Sunrise, has a range of 10,000 nautical miles or 18,500km. Photograph: Qantas A Qantas A350-1000ULR taking off from Toulouse on a previous test flight. The new plane, intended for use in Project Sunrise, has a range of 10,000 nautical miles or 18,500km. Photograph: Qantas Qantas Qantas tests new ultra long-range Airbus in 17,000km direct flight from France to Melbourne Airbus A350–1000ULR becomes most watched plane on flight tracking websites as Qantas tests new aircraft for its Project Sunrise
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Prefer the Guardian on Google Qantas’s new ultra long-distance aircraft has landed on Australian soil for the first time on Friday after a 19-hour test flight from France.
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