Airbus will conduct a test nonstop flight of its new long-range aircraft A350-1000ULR from Toulouse, France to Melbourne, Australia on July 24. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

The route, nearly 17,000 km long, will take about 22 hours and become one of the longest test flights in civil aviation history. The test is part of Australian airline Qantas's Project Sunrise, which aims to launch direct flights from Australia to Europe and North America without intermediate stops.

If the tests are successful, Qantas plans to start nonstop flights on the Sydney-London and Sydney-New York routes as early as October 2027.

To implement the project, Airbus modified the A350-1000ULR. In particular, an additional fuel tank with a capacity of 20,000 liters was installed in the tail section, and the fuel system and galley cooling system were upgraded. These changes should enable nearly 24-hour flight without refueling.

Before the aircraft enters commercial service, the new modification must be certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

According to Bild, the upcoming flight will be a key stage in testing whether a passenger aircraft can safely remain in the air for nearly a day without an intermediate landing.

Significance of the Test

This test is important not only for Qantas but for global aviation. If successful, ultra-long-haul nonstop flights will reach a new level. Currently, flights from Australia to Europe typically require a stopover in cities like Dubai or Singapore. Project Sunrise will eliminate this need.

Technical Specifications

The A350-1000ULR is Airbus's longest-range model, with a maximum range exceeding 18,000 km. The additional fuel tank and upgraded systems allow the aircraft to stay airborne for over 20 hours.

Qantas Plans

Qantas plans to launch daily flights on the Sydney-London and Sydney-New York routes by 2027. These will be among the longest commercial flights in the world. The airline is also considering Melbourne-London and Brisbane-London routes.

Certification Process

EASA certification is required to confirm the aircraft's safety. This process may take several months. Only after certification will the aircraft be cleared for commercial flights.

Conclusion

The test flight on July 24 will be a significant event in aviation history. Its results will influence the development of future ultra-long-haul nonstop flights.