Airbus has officially begun flight test activities for the first Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft built for Qantas, marking a major milestone in the airline’s much-awaited Project Sunrise programme. The aircraft, registered as F-WULR, is specially designed for ultra long-haul operations and will operate some of the world’s longest direct flights.
The testing campaign started on 1 June 2026 with a rejected take-off (RTO) test at Airbus facilities in France. During this safety procedure, pilots intentionally abort the take-off at high speed to evaluate the aircraft’s braking systems, stability, and overall performance before entering commercial service.
Reports suggest that the aircraft is expected to perform its maiden flight on 2 June 2026 between 11:30 and 12:00 local time in France, although delays remain possible depending on operational and weather conditions. The first flight will be a key step toward certification and eventual delivery to Qantas.
Qantas plans to use the Airbus A350-1000ULR for its ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, which aims to connect Australia directly with cities like London and New York through non-stop ultra long-haul flights. The aircraft will also feature enhanced passenger comfort, premium cabin configurations, and improved fuel efficiency for flights lasting over 20 hours.