Aviation Airbus A350-1000 ULR Completes First Flight

From Thomas Günnel | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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Airbus has completed the first test flight with the A350-1000 ULR. The aircraft currently has the longest range—and is intended to connect Sydney non-stop with London and New York.

An Airbus A350-1000 ULR on a test flight in Toulouse.(Image: (Airbus))
An Airbus A350-1000 ULR on a test flight in Toulouse.
(Image: (Airbus))

The first of twelve Airbus A350-1000 ULR models for the airline Qantas has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, equipped with special flight test equipment, flew for three hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of slightly over 12,500 meters (approx. 41,000 feet). The flight was conducted by an Airbus flight test crew.

Airbus is developing the model for Qantas to enable non-stop flights for the first time between Sydney and New York and between Sydney and London—nearly 10,000 nautical miles, around 18,500 kilometers, with flight times of up to 22 hours.

Additional Tank for Greater Range

The range is made possible primarily due to an additional tank. This tank is installed in the rear and increases the range by 1,000 nautical miles, approximately 1,850 kilometers. During the first flight, the crew tested the overall performance of the aircraft and the new fuel system architecture.

The flight marked the beginning of a two-month flight test campaign. During this, the crew will certify, among other things, a new climate system for the onboard kitchen. It features lighter and more efficient cooling units for very long flights. Additionally, tests of cabin ventilation and temperature regulation are being conducted.

After the completion of testing, Airbus is upgrading the model designated as "MSN 707" to Qantas's commercial specifications. The second A350-1000 ULR produced for the airline is currently in final assembly and is scheduled for delivery in April 2027. Qantas has ordered a total of twelve A350-1000 ULRs. Additionally, the airline has ordered twelve standard A350-1000s for use in its long-haul network.

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