These specially configured A350-1000ULRs are expected to enable the world’s longest commercial flights.
Qantas Airways
australian Qantas Airways On Friday, the first of the specially composed images was released. airbus An aircraft is set to make the world’s longest commercial flight.
The A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft is depicted on the assembly line in Toulouse, France, with the fuselage section, wings, tail section, and landing gear all installed.
Qantas said the aircraft, designed to connect Sydney travelers to London and New York for the first time, will move into a new hangar this week where its engines and flight test equipment will be installed.
The transfer comes ahead of an extensive test flight program scheduled to begin next year, with first commercial service expected in the first half of 2027.
Qantas Chief Executive Vanessa Hudson said the development brought Project Sunrise one step closer to reality. The project is named after the company’s “Double Sunrise” endurance flight during World War II, which stayed in the air long enough to see two sunrises.
Qantas and Airbus have released the first images of the A350-1000ULR (ultra long range) aircraft.
Qantas Airways
Qantas says its A350-1000ULR aircraft can fly non-stop for up to 22 hours thanks to an additional 20,000 liter rear central fuel tank and enhanced systems.
The airline expects the direct flight will reduce total travel time by up to four hours compared to the current one-stop service for travelers from Australia to the US or UK.
Ultra-long distance flights, which typically refer to journeys of 16 hours or more, are now technically possible thanks to more efficient engines and aircraft, but they face other challenges. For example, analysts have raised concerns about passenger comfort and the environmental impact of these flights.
Qantas shares fell 6.5% on Friday to a six-month low after guidance disappointed investors. The airline said it expects domestic sales to rise about 3% in the first half of next year, which would remain at the lower end of its previous guidance range.
Meanwhile, Airbus’ Paris-listed shares fell slightly in early morning trading. The stock is up more than 35% since the beginning of the year.
