QANTAS’ PROJECT SUNRISE A350-1000ULR COMPLETES MAIDEN TEST FLIGHT | News

Qantas’ Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR has completed its maiden test flight, marking a major milestone ahead of the launch of commercial flights that will connect Australia’s east coast to London and New York non-stop for the first time.

Qantas’ ultra-long-range A350, piloted by two Airbus Flight Test Pilots, three Flight Test Engineers and one Ground Test Engineer, took off from Toulouse for the first time yesterday afternoon local time, flying over France and the French Atlantic coast for three hours and 43 minutes.

The flight focused on testing the aircraft’s primary systems, including the aircraft’s specialized fuel system, which includes an additional 20,000 liter rear-center fuel tank, allowing commercial flights of up to 22 hours non-stop.

The successful maiden flight marks the start of a two-month test campaign, during which the aircraft will complete approximately 80 hours of test flights and undergo extensive ground checks and certification of new and redesigned components, allowing the A350 to fly in ultra-long-haul sectors. This includes the certification of a new galley air cooling system with lighter and more efficient cooling units, which will be rolled out on all future Airbus A350 aircraft.

In addition to the extensive testing and certification campaign, a second Project Sunrise aircraft passes through Airbus’ final assembly line, fitted with a four-class interior and painted in a Qantas livery. This aircraft will be delivered to Qantas in April next year.

Qantas will announce the first Project Sunrise route and the timing of its first commercial services later this month.