Qantas tests ultra long-range Airbus on France to Melbourne flight
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Qantas’ new Airbus A350-1000ULR has landed in Australia for the first time, completing a 19-hour nonstop test flight from Toulouse, France, to Melbourne.
The aircraft travelled nearly 17,000 kilometres and became the most-tracked flight worldwide on Friday, with more than 67,000 people following its journey online.
The new aircraft is being developed for Project Sunrise, which aims to launch nonstop flights between Sydney and London from October 2027. It is capable of flying for up to 22 hours without stopping.
The test flight was operated by Airbus pilots and engineers. After a short stay in Melbourne, the aircraft will return to France for further testing, with Qantas pilots joining the journey.
Qantas says the aircraft will undergo additional system checks, including fuel management, air conditioning and other onboard performance tests before entering commercial service.
The airline has ordered 12 specially configured A350-1000ULR aircraft, each with 238 seats, to support its ultra-long-haul network.
The first aircraft in Qantas' official red and white livery, named Vega, is expected to be delivered in April 2027, ahead of the planned launch of Project Sunrise later that year.
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Source : Guardian News
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