Airbus’ A350-1000ULR test aircraft, used for Qantas’ Project Sunrise program, completed a non-stop flight from Melbourne to Toulouse in 24 hours and 22 minutes, setting a new world record.
The F-WULR-registered Airbus A350-1000ULR remained airborne for approximately 24 hours and 22 minutes, flying via the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans while crossing the United States from west to east. Airbus could now qualify for a Guinness World Records title for the longest non-stop commercial flight.
With this achievement, Airbus surpassed Boeing’s previous record, set in 2005 when the 777-200LR Worldliner flew 21,601 kilometres non-stop from Hong Kong to London in 22 hours and 42 minutes.
The flight was carried out as part of the certification and flight test campaign for Qantas’ Project Sunrise, which is scheduled to launch in October 2027. Airbus had previously completed a successful non-stop flight from Toulouse to Melbourne with the same test aircraft in approximately 19 hours and 12 minutes.
The A350-1000ULR aircraft entering service under Project Sunrise will operate some of the world’s longest non-stop scheduled routes, including Sydney-London and Sydney-New York.
