Qantas’ ambitious Project Sunrise reached a major milestone today as the custom-built Airbus A350-1000ULR touched down in Melbourne after a direct 19-hour flight from the factory in Toulouse, France.
The specially adapted aircraft, fitted with an additional 20,000 litre fuel tank, completed the flight test designed to push its range capability. The plane is capable of flying non-stop for up to 22 hours, making it the longest commercial aircraft in the world.
Qantas’ chief technical pilot Alex Passerini noted that flight times will vary due to winds, with the fastest Sydney-to-London flight expected at 19 hours and 25 minutes. The aircraft completed its first flight on June 2, 2026, and has since undergone extensive ground and air testing in Toulouse.
More than 60,000 people tracked the flight on FlightRadar24, highlighting global interest. Project Sunrise is expected to begin commercial services from October 2027, connecting Australia directly to London and New York.
Article and image source: theage.com.au
