MELBOURNE- Qantas (QF) has successfully completed the first nonstop delivery test flight of its Airbus A350-1000ULR from Toulouse (TLS) to Melbourne (MEL), marking another milestone for the airline’s Project Sunrise program. The journey lasted more than 19 hours and covered approximately 17,000 kilometers.
The Airbus A350-1000ULR will eventually operate nonstop flights for Qantas (QF) between Sydney (SYD) and London Heathrow (LHR), followed by New York John F. Kennedy (JFK). The aircraft’s arrival also comes as Qantas expands its long-term partnership with Melbourne Airport (MEL) to support future international growth.
Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR Arrives in Melbourne
Qantas’ first Airbus A350-1000ULR, registered F-WULR, landed at Melbourne Airport after completing its first nonstop flight from Airbus’ final assembly facility in Toulouse.
The aircraft departed Toulouse at 07:33 local time on July 23, 2026, and arrived in Melbourne at 10:46 local time the following morning after flying for more than 19 hours.
During the flight, the aircraft covered around 17,000 kilometers and became the most tracked aircraft on Flightradar24, attracting tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts following its progress across multiple continents.
Before departure, Airbus described the mission as the first nonstop A350-1000ULR flight from Toulouse to Melbourne conducted as part of its flight test campaign. Qantas later acknowledged the aircraft’s arrival through its official social media channels.
The aircraft carried two Qantas pilots alongside Airbus flight test personnel. Engineers will use the flight data to evaluate aircraft systems before the aircraft returns to Toulouse to continue its certification and testing program.
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Aircraft Built Specifically for Project Sunrise
The Airbus A350-1000ULR is the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas in May 2022 for Project Sunrise, the airline’s initiative to launch some of the world’s longest nonstop commercial flights.
To achieve the required range, the aircraft features an additional 20,000-liter rear center fuel tank, increasing its range by about 1,000 nautical miles. This allows the aircraft to remain airborne for nearly 20 hours.
Qantas plans to introduce nonstop Sydney to London flights from October 2027 using the new fleet. Sydney to New York services are expected to follow, with future nonstop routes proposed from Melbourne and Brisbane to destinations including London, New York, Paris, and Chicago.
The airline expects bookings for Project Sunrise flights to open in February 2027.
Although the first aircraft was originally expected in late 2026, delivery has shifted to April 2027 because of industry-wide supply chain challenges. At least three aircraft will be required to maintain daily operations on the Sydney to London route.
Cabin Designed for Ultra-Long-Haul Comfort
The A350-1000ULR is configured with just 238 seats, making it the lowest-density Airbus A350 configuration currently planned for commercial service.
Its Economy cabin uses a 3-3-3 seating layout while providing more personal space than traditional long-haul configurations.
Qantas developed the cabin over approximately a decade in partnership with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, Caon Design Office, and other technology partners.
The design focuses on reducing passenger fatigue during ultra-long-haul flights through cabin layout, lighting, air quality, and other onboard features intended to help travelers arrive feeling more refreshed.
Before the Melbourne flight, the aircraft completed its maiden test flight on June 3, 2026, flying for nearly three hours and 43 minutes over France and the French Atlantic coast as part of Airbus’ ongoing certification program.
Melbourne Airport Expansion Supports Future Growth
The aircraft’s arrival coincides with a broader commercial agreement between the Qantas Group and Melbourne Airport aimed at expanding the airport’s international capacity.
The agreement supports Melbourne Airport’s A$4.5 billion international terminal expansion, including five additional widebody gates, upgraded check-in facilities, expanded baggage handling infrastructure, and improvements for arriving international passengers.
A major component of the agreement is Melbourne Airport’s third runway, scheduled to open in 2031. Qantas has committed to a 15-year agreement supporting the project.
The airline also plans to build a significantly larger International Business Lounge above Terminal 2. The new lounge is expected to be completed by 2029 and will provide increased capacity and improved facilities for premium passengers and frequent flyers.
Jetstar will also benefit from the airport expansion, with additional infrastructure supporting future network growth from its largest operational base.
Qantas Plans Additional International Services from Melbourne
Qantas intends to base some of its Airbus A350-1000LR aircraft at Melbourne Airport, creating opportunities to launch new long-haul international routes that are not currently possible.
The airline currently serves 17 international destinations from Melbourne through Qantas and Jetstar and expects the expanded infrastructure and new fleet to support additional overseas services in the coming years.
Qantas Chief Financial Officer Rob Marcolina said the partnership will improve customer experience while supporting long-term growth across the airline’s international network.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said the agreement represents the most significant airport upgrade in Melbourne’s history and strengthens the airport’s role as Australia’s largest 24-hour international gateway.
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