Airbus has officially set a new world record for the longest distance flown by a commercial aircraft, with an uncrewed A350-1000ULR traveling 23,155 kilometers from Melbourne, Australia to Toulouse, France.
The test flight took place in July 2026 but received official recognition this month. The aircraft remained airborne for 24 hours and 24 minutes, during which the flight crew witnessed two sunrises and two sunsets.
The record-breaking flight was part of a series of test flights for the A350-1000ULR, an ultra-long-range aircraft developed specifically for Australian carrier Qantas. The designation "ULR" stands for "ultra long range," reflecting the aircraft's capability to fly extended distances without refueling.
Airbus conducted the test flight to simulate the longest commercial routes that will be possible with the new aircraft. The test campaign required at least one 23-hour flight to validate the A350-1000ULR's performance on extended routes.
Qantas has ordered twelve A350-1000ULR aircraft from Airbus, with the first delivery scheduled for April 2027. The aircraft represents a significant advancement in long-range commercial aviation, enabling airlines to operate routes that were previously impossible or required intermediate stops.
The A350-1000ULR builds on Airbus's existing A350 platform, which has become one of the manufacturer's most successful wide-body aircraft. The ultra-long-range variant extends the aircraft's capabilities to serve remote markets and enable point-to-point connections on routes spanning nearly 24,000 kilometers.
This achievement demonstrates Airbus's engineering capabilities in designing aircraft for extreme operational demands. The successful test flight validates the aircraft's systems, fuel efficiency, and structural integrity over extended flight durations, providing confidence for Qantas and other potential operators considering the A350-1000ULR for their fleets.