These specially configured A350-1000ULR are expected to enable the world’s longest commercial flights.
Qantas
Australian Qantas The first images of the specially configured were revealed on Friday airbus The aircraft is set to enable the world’s longest commercial flights.
The A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft was photographed on the assembly line in Toulouse, France, with the fuselage section, wing, tail section and landing gear now all attached.
Qantas said the plane, which is designed to connect passengers in Sydney with London and New York for the first time, will be moved this week to a new hangar where it will have engines and flight test equipment installed.
The transfer comes ahead of an extensive test flight program starting next year, with the first commercial services scheduled for the first half of 2027.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson said the progress brings “Project Sunrise” one step closer to reality. The name of the project is a reference to the airline’s “Double Sunrise” endurance flights during World War II, which remained airborne long enough to see two sunrises.
Qantas and Airbus have released the first photos of their A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft.
Qantas
Qantas said the A350-1000ULR aircraft will be able to fly for up to 22 hours non-stop due to the additional 20,000 liter rear center fuel tank and advanced systems.
It expects the direct services to cut total travel time by four hours for passengers traveling from Australia to the US or UK, compared to the one-stop services proposed today.
Ultra long-haul flights, which typically refer to journeys of more than 16 hours, have become technically possible due to more efficient engines and aircraft, but they face other challenges. For example, analysts have raised concerns over passenger comfort as well as the environmental impact of these flights.
Qantas shares fell 6.5% on Friday to a six-month low as investors were disappointed by the guidance. The airline said it expects its domestic revenue to grow about 3% in the first half of next year, at the low end of the guidance range provided in a previous forecast.
Meanwhile, Paris-listed shares of Airbus were slightly lower during morning deals. The stock is up more than 35% year to date.
