The Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra-Long Range), developed for Australian carrier Qantas as part of its Project Sunrise programme, has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance flown non-stop by a commercial passenger aircraft. During a test flight between Melbourne and Toulouse, the aircraft covered an impressive 23,155 kilometres, demonstrating its capabilities for future ultra-long-haul commercial operations.

The record-breaking flight took place on 27 and 28 July 2026, with Airbus officially announcing the record on 9 November. Operating under the callsign AIB35LR, the aircraft departed Melbourne and landed in Toulouse after a flight lasting 24 hours and 24 minutes, according to Airbus. It covered a total distance of 12,503 nautical miles, equivalent to 23,155 kilometres. The flight data was independently validated with the involvement of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and flight-tracking platform Flightradar24.

The flight followed a particularly interesting route. After departing Melbourne, the aircraft flew over Sydney before continuing northeast across the Pacific Ocean towards Los Angeles. After crossing the International Date Line, it continued across North America and the Atlantic Ocean, passing over London before heading towards Toulouse. During the journey across three continents and two oceans, the crew witnessed two sunrises and two sunsets.

Only 13 people were on board, including Airbus test pilots, Qantas pilots, engineers and a representative of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. The flight was not a commercial passenger service but part of the extensive testing programme for the new A350-1000ULR variant. One of the programme’s requirements was to complete a flight with a block time of at least 23 hours, measured from pushback at departure to the aircraft coming to a complete stop at its destination, simulating the most demanding conditions expected on future ultra-long-haul routes.

The development of the A350-1000ULR forms part of Qantas’ Project Sunrise, which aims to introduce the first scheduled non-stop passenger flights between Sydney and London, as well as Sydney and New York. These routes cover distances of almost 10,000 nautical miles, with flight times potentially reaching 22 hours, eliminating the need for intermediate stops.

To make such operations possible, Airbus has further modified the existing A350-1000, primarily through the integration of an additional Rear Centre Tank (RCT). This modification increases the aircraft’s range by approximately 1,000 nautical miles compared with the standard variant while maintaining the economic efficiency required for commercial operations.

Lars Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, highlighted that the record demonstrates both the aircraft’s technological capabilities and the success of the partnership with Qantas. He emphasised that the development team had successfully met the challenge of extending the A350-1000’s range in an efficient and economically viable manner, while the record-breaking flight further confirmed the aircraft’s ability to operate the world’s longest planned commercial routes.

Qantas has ordered a total of 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft under Project Sunrise, with the first delivery expected in April 2027. Entry into commercial service on the Sydney–London route is scheduled for the second half of the same year. The Australian carrier has also ordered 12 standard A350-1000 aircraft for other long-haul operations.

The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and A350-1000. According to Airbus, by the end of October 2026, the A350 Family had accumulated 1,628 orders from 70 customers, with more than 740 aircraft already in service with 42 airlines worldwide.

The record represents an important milestone in the development of ultra-long-haul aviation and one of the final major steps before the A350-1000ULR enters commercial service. If Qantas successfully implements its planned operations, passengers will, for the first time, be able to travel non-stop between Australia and two of the world’s most important aviation hubs, London and New York, without the need for an intermediate stop.