Airbus A350-1000ULR completes 24-hour, 24-minute development flight

Airbus says its A350-1000ULR test aircraft, MSN707, completed a nonstop Melbourne-to-Toulouse flight of 12,460 nautical miles in 24 hours and 24 minutes. The mission forms part of development work for Qantas’ Project Sunrise aircraft, intended to enable direct Sydney services to London and New York.

This was not a passenger commercial flight, but it is a major marker for the move toward ultra-long-haul travel without a stopover. Airbus is demonstrating a 23-hour block-time capability while testing fuel, cabin-environment and crew-rest systems. When such services enter commercial operation, travellers may save connection time, but should also plan for the physical demands of an exceptionally long journey.