Airbus’ A350-1000ULR took flight for the first time Tuesday, officially launching what is expected to be a two-month flight test campaign.
The first production aircraft of the ultra-long-range variant, known as MSN 707, flew for three hours and 43 minutes after taking off from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France. It reached an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet while a flight test crew carried out general aircraft performance checks and assessed the new fuel system architecture.
The type contains an additional rear center fuel tank, allowing it to fly for up to 22 continuous hours.
Airbus officials said the upcoming test flights will help certify the aircraft’s modifications.
Once in service, the A350-1000ULR will be the longest-range commercial airplane in the world, the manufacturer said, surpassing the A350-900ULR.
The -1000ULR is being developed for Qantas, which plans to use the jet for nonstop flights between the east coast of Australia and destinations such as New York and London. The first of the type was initially scheduled for delivery later this year, but Airbus recently pushed that timeframe back to April 2027 due to supply chain issues.
Airbus said Tuesday that its second production -1000ULR, currently at an “advanced stage of final assembly,” will be the first delivered to Qantas next spring.
Qantas has ordered a total of 12 ultra-long-range A350s.
