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Airbus A350-1000ULR starts flight testing
June 4th 2026
Airbus has successfully completed the first test flight of its A350-1000ULR aircraft. Read More » The ultra-long range widebody took off from Airbus headquarters in Toulouse on June 2 and spent three hours and 43 minutes in the air. During the flight, the aircraft climbed to 41,000 feet and the pilots tested "general aircraft performance" and the new fuel system, Airbus said. The A350-1000 is the first of 12 aircraft to be delivered to Qantas Airways for the airline to commence nonstop flights from Australia’s east coast to London and New York initially, and potentially other destinations. It is fitted with an additional rear tank. Airbus said the second A350-1000ULR was in final assembly. Qantas was expected to receive its first A350-1000 in April next year. "The successful first flight marks the beginning of a two-month testing campaign, with the aircraft to complete around 80 hours of flight testing and undergo extensive on-ground checks and certification of new and redesigned components that will enable the A350 to fly ultra long haul sectors," Qantas said. "Qantas will announce the first Project Sunrise route and timing of its inaugural commercial services later this month."
