Around 19 hours into its historic test flight, Qantas's Airbus A350-1000ULR touched down at Melbourne Airport on Friday, 24 July. The ultra-long-haul aircraft had departed the manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France, on Thursday morning and was now back on Australian soil after a gruelling transcontinental journey.
This milestone marks a crucial step forward for Qantas's ambitious 'Project Sunrise', which aims to launch non-stop commercial flights between Sydney and London by October 2027. These pioneering services will cover an impressive 10,573 miles, the longest commercial flight route in the world, reducing travel time for passengers by up to four hours compared to current fastest routes with stopovers.
The test crew consisted of four Airbus pilots and five engineers, who conducted rigorous testing of the aircraft's extra 20,000-litre fuel tank. This cutting-edge feature will enable the plane to fly commercially for up to 22 hours without refuelling. The return journey to Toulouse is scheduled for Monday, 27 July, with two additional Qantas pilots joining the test crew.
As part of Project Sunrise, each of the 12 aircraft being built will be fitted with innovative amenities aimed at enhancing passenger comfort. A new galley air cooling system, featuring lighter and more efficient refrigeration units, will replace traditional systems. Additionally, each plane will be configured to accommodate just 238 seats – less than half its maximum capacity – allowing for significantly more space per passenger. This reduced seating also contributes to a lower overall weight, supporting the aircraft's ultra-long-haul capabilities.
Once operational, these direct services from Sydney and Perth to London are expected to complement Qantas's existing routes. The airline anticipates strong demand for the new connection, with tickets for the inaugural Sydney to London flights due to go on sale in February 2027.