Qantas A350-1000ULR completes 17,000km test flight from France to Melbourne

Qantas has completed a 17,000-kilometer nonstop test flight of its new Airbus A350-1000ULR from Toulouse, France, to Melbourne, Australia. The aircraft, which took off on Thursday, is expected to land on Australian soil for the first time on Friday after a 19-hour journey. The flight was closely tracked by aviation enthusiasts, becoming the most-watched plane on flight tracking websites during its route.

The A350-1000ULR is designed specifically for Qantas's Project Sunrise, an initiative to operate some of the longest commercial flights in the world, including direct routes from Australia's east coast to destinations like London and New York. The test flight marks a key milestone in the project, which aims to connect Australia more directly with major global cities.

The aircraft's ultra-long-range capability is significant because it could eliminate the need for layovers on routes that currently require a stop, potentially saving passengers hours of travel time. Qantas has been working on Project Sunrise for several years, and this test flight brings the airline closer to launching the world's longest nonstop commercial flights.

Qantas has not yet announced a specific date for the start of commercial Project Sunrise flights, but the successful test is a crucial step. The airline will likely continue testing and regulatory approvals before introducing the A350-1000ULR into regular service, which could reshape long-haul travel for Australian passengers.