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Airbus keeps an A350 flying for 24 hours
Airbus has completed a record-breaking non-stop flight from Australia to France, keeping its new A350-1000ULR (Ultra-Long Range) variant airborne for over 24 hours. The flight is a key milestone for launch customer Qantas, which plans to use the aircraft for direct routes between Australia and Europe, as well as to New York, cutting out the intermediate stops currently required on such long-haul journeys.
The A350-1000ULR gains its extended reach from an additional rear centre fuel tank holding 20,900 litres, giving it a range of almost 10,000 nautical miles (18,500km). The Melbourne-to-Toulouse leg lasted 24 hours and 24 minutes and covered 23,076km, setting a distance record for a commercial airliner, following an earlier 19-hour Toulouse-to-Melbourne test flight in July. Qantas intends to buy a dozen of the jets for daily non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York from 2027, with Australia–Europe journeys taking up to 22 hours; the airline plans tiered economy seating, a standing area, tailored menus and lighting to ease the ordeal for passengers.
In short
- Airbus's A350-1000ULR flew Melbourne to Toulouse non-stop in 24hrs 24min.
- New rear fuel tank gives the jet nearly 10,000 nautical miles of range.
- Qantas plans 2027 non-stop Sydney-London and Sydney-New York flights.
Explained simply
Airbus has been testing a new version of its A350 aircraft designed to fly much further than standard variants. The plane has extra fuel tanks that allow it to complete extremely long journeys without needing to stop for refuelling, something not feasible with conventional aircraft.
This matters because it changes which routes airlines can operate. Currently, flights from Australia to Europe require stops at intermediate airports to refuel, adding many hours to journey times. Non-stop flights on these routes would save travellers significant time.
Qantas, Australia's national airline, has ordered twelve of these specially equipped aircraft and plans to use them for non-stop flights between Sydney and London and New York from 2027. The airline is preparing for these extended journeys by introducing measures such as modified seating arrangements and adjusted cabin lighting to help passengers remain comfortable during lengthy flights.
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