This is a first that bodes well for the future.
After two years of delay, the A350-1000ULR carried out its first flight in Toulouse. The aircraft flew for 3 hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of over 12,496 meters.
The crew consisted entirely of personnel dedicated to test flights.
They conducted general performance checks of the aircraft and tested the new fuel-system architecture. The test campaign is expected to last two months.
After two years of delay, the A350-1000ULR carried out its first flight in Toulouse. The aircraft flew for 3 hours and 43 minutes, reaching an altitude of over 12,496 meters.
The crew consisted entirely of personnel dedicated to test flights.
They conducted general performance checks of the aircraft and tested the new fuel-system architecture. The test campaign is expected to last two months.
A350-1000ULR: a range of 18,520 kilometers
At the end of this period, the aircraft named AIB01LR will be outfitted according to Qantas’ commercial specifications.
For reference, the aircraft was developed for the Australian airline and will feature four cabin classes.
It is expected to enable, in 2027, non-stop flights between Sydney and London, spanning a distance of 18,520 kilometers, and to fly 22 hours without a technical stop.
To read: Ultra long-haul: technical feat or future model for commercial aviation?
“This performance is made possible mainly by integrating, into the aircraft’s structure, an additional aft center tank (RCT), which further enhances the aircraft’s performance and increases its range by 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers, editor’s note),” explains the manufacturer’s press release.
The delivery of this first aircraft is scheduled for April 2027. The second A350-1000ULR is under assembly and is due to roll out of the paint shop in the coming days.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR as part of the Sunrise project.
For reference, the aircraft was developed for the Australian airline and will feature four cabin classes.
It is expected to enable, in 2027, non-stop flights between Sydney and London, spanning a distance of 18,520 kilometers, and to fly 22 hours without a technical stop.
To read: Ultra long-haul: technical feat or future model for commercial aviation?
“This performance is made possible mainly by integrating, into the aircraft’s structure, an additional aft center tank (RCT), which further enhances the aircraft’s performance and increases its range by 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers, editor’s note),” explains the manufacturer’s press release.
The delivery of this first aircraft is scheduled for April 2027. The second A350-1000ULR is under assembly and is due to roll out of the paint shop in the coming days.
Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR as part of the Sunrise project.
