Airbus performs 1st test for longest commercial flight in the world; see how it was
Airbus concluded this Monday (1st) in Toulouse, France, the first test flight of the A350-1000ULR aircraft, which promises to carry out the longest commercial trip in the world.
The ultra-long-range plane was developed for the airline Qantas Airways. The objective of the project is to enable non-stop commercial flights connecting Sydney, Australia, to cities such as London and New York.
The projected routes cover a distance of approximately 10 thousand nautical miles and estimate flight times of up to 22 hours nonstop.
To achieve this capability, Airbus implemented modifications to the standard structure of the A350-1000 model. The main change is the integration of an RCT (Rear Central Tank), which adds 20 thousand liters to the aircraft's fuel capacity.
This addition increases the jet's range by a thousand nautical miles, also guaranteeing the provision of fuel for eventual route deviations at the end of the flight. The model also has an increase in maximum takeoff weight and is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
The aircraft used, designated MSN 707, will now begin a two-month flight test program. This stage seeks to certify the structural changes and fuel systems, evaluating the functioning of pumps, gauges and pressure systems at different phases of the flight and altitudes.
Engineers will verify the sequencing and management of fuel transfers between tanks, an operation controlled by the FQMS (Fuel Quantity Management System).
See the video of the first flight:
https://admin.cnnbrasil.com.br/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2026/06/pm_38_908_908286-895wf7x5o9-720.mp4
Read also: Airline creates wellness zone on planes that will make 22-hour flights
The campaign also covers the testing of cabin ventilation and temperature control systems. One of the focuses is the certification of a new kitchen air cooling system, the NGAC, which uses lighter and more efficient refrigeration units.
The adoption of NGAC generates weight savings of approximately 300 kg. After debuting on the A350-1000ULR, the system will become standard across the entire A350 family of aircraft.
The interior of the plane will have a space-oriented configuration, carrying a total of 238 passengers. The division includes six First Class suites, 52 Business Class Suites, 40 Premium Economy seats and 140 Economy Class seats. In economy class, the distance between seats will be 33 inches.
Get to know the interior of the aircraft:
https://admin.cnnbrasil.com.br/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2026/06/Inside-A350-1000ULR-Qantas-MSN707-_M146730_AI-STK-0365_Inside-A350ULR-Footage.mp4
In addition, the plane will also be equipped with a wellness area, allowing passengers to stretch out during long-haul journeys.
The development of the aircraft meets "Project Sunrise", an initiative launched by Qantas in 2017 to expand the range of long-haul jets.
Today we announced the future of aviation to take Australia further. Are you ready @Boeing and @Airbus? pic.twitter.com/qqQawOs07u
- Qantas (@Qantas) August 24, 2017
The name of the project recalls a historic Qantas operation that took place during the Second World War, in which, at the time, seaplanes traveled from Western Australia to Sri Lanka on journeys that lasted 33 hours, during which the crew and passengers witnessed the sunrise twice.
Airbus A350-1000ULR Project - Airbus SAS 2026
Qantas has an order for 12 units of the A350-1000ULR, in addition to another 12 units of the standard A350-1000 model. A second aircraft of the ultra-long-range version is already in an advanced stage of final assembly and is receiving the airline's livery. This second unit will be the first aircraft actually delivered to the company, which is scheduled for April 2027.
The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the A350 family. According to Airbus, this line of aircraft offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Source: CNN