Qantas Completes 19-Hour Test Flight of New Airbus A350-1000ULR to Australia

1-Minute Brief

The test marks a step toward launching some of the world's longest commercial flights between Australia and Europe.

Key Facts

• Qantas's new Airbus A350-1000ULR landed in Australia after a 19-hour test flight from France.
• The aircraft is designed for ultra-long-range flights as part of Qantas's Project Sunrise.
• The flight covered approximately 17,000km between France and Melbourne.
• The plane became the most watched on flight tracking websites during the journey.
• Tickets for the first direct Sydney to London service are expected to go on sale in February 2027.

What Happened

Qantas conducted a 19-hour test flight of its new Airbus A350-1000ULR from France to Australia, marking the aircraft's first landing on Australian soil.

Why It Matters

This test flight is a significant milestone for Qantas's Project Sunrise, which aims to introduce direct ultra-long-haul flights between Australia and destinations such as London, potentially reshaping global air travel routes.

What's Next

Qantas is expected to begin selling tickets for its direct Sydney to London service in February 2027. Further testing and regulatory approvals may follow before commercial operations commence.