Aviation News – Qantas’ first A350-1000ULR has successfully completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France, marking a major milestone in the airline’s ambitious plan to launch the world’s longest non-stop commercial flights. The aircraft, designated MSN 707, is the first of 12 ultra-long-range jets ordered by Qantas and is being developed to connect Sydney and London without a stopover.
The aircraft flew for three hours and 43 minutes under the command of a dedicated Airbus flight test crew, reaching an altitude of more than 41,000 feet. Equipped with specialized flight test instrumentation, the jet is now entering a two-month certification campaign. The A350-1000ULR is a key element of Qantas’ long-haul expansion strategy and has been specifically adapted to support flights of up to 22 hours. The program is designed to make non-stop travel between Sydney and London possible for the first time, covering nearly 10,000 nautical miles.
A major feature of the aircraft is the integration of an additional rear centre tank (RCT) within the airframe. This modification increases the aircraft’s range by approximately 1,000 nautical miles, allowing it to operate some of the longest routes ever flown by a commercial airliner. During the maiden flight, Airbus engineers evaluated overall aircraft performance and tested the new fuel system architecture. The campaign will also certify an upgraded galley cooling system featuring lighter and more efficient refrigeration units, while cabin ventilation and temperature-control systems will undergo extensive testing to ensure passenger comfort on ultra-long-haul flights.
