The A350-1000ULR (MSN 707), the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has successfully completed its first flight in Toulouse, France. Fitted with specialized flight test instrumentation, the aircraft flew for three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude slightly above 41,000 feet under the command of a dedicated Airbus Flight Test crew.

The A350-1000ULR is being developed for Qantas Airways to enable non-stop commercial flights between Sydney and New York or London for the first time ever. Covering a distance of almost 10,000 nautical miles with flight times of up to 22 hours, the feat is made possible primarily by integrating an additional rear centre tank (RCT) into the aircraft structure. This modification enhances performance and increases the aircraft’s range by 1,000 nautical miles.

Launch of the Certification Campaign

During the maiden flight, the crew carried out general performance checks and tested the new fuel system architecture, marking the start of a two-month flight test campaign to certify the modifications. The evaluation will also certify a new galley air cooling system featuring lighter and more efficient refrigeration units alongside thoroughly tested cabin ventilation and temperature control systems.

Following the certification campaign, MSN 707 will be retrofitted to Qantas’ commercial specifications. Meanwhile, the second A350-1000ULR—scheduled to be the first official delivery to the airline in April 2027—is at an advanced stage of final assembly and ready to roll out of the paint shop ahead of its premium four-class cabin layout completion and engine installation.

Expanding the A350 Legacy

The ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the best-selling A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and standard A350-1000. The lineup will soon expand further with the all-new A350F freighter, which is scheduled for its first flight later this year. As of April 2026, the A350 Family had secured 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with over 700 aircraft currently active worldwide.

Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under its ambitious “Project Sunrise” initiative, alongside 12 standard A350-1000s earmarked for its broader long-haul network expansion.