Airbus Says Qantas A350-1000ULR Sets Airliner Distance Record

TOULOUSE — Airbus said on November 9 that an A350-1000ULR developed for Qantas Airways (QF) had earned a Guinness World Record for the longest flight by distance by a commercial airliner. The recognition covers a July development flight, ahead of the airline's planned Project Sunrise passenger services.

The manufacturer reported a distance of 12,503nm (23,155km) and a flight time of 24 hrs 24 mins. Airbus said the aircraft data had been independently validated by the International Aeronautical Federation and Flightradar24.

Airbus operated the flight from Melbourne (MEL) on July 27 to Toulouse (TLS) on July 28, 2026, with 13 people aboard, including test personnel, two Qantas pilots and a federation representative. Its routing crossed the Pacific toward Los Angeles, continued across North America and the Atlantic, and passed over London before reaching Toulouse.

What the Development Flight Tested

Airbus's July account of the mission classified it as a development test, distinct from a certification test. The work focused on cabin air conditioning and fuel management, including the additional rear center tank that supports the ultra-long-range variant.

The program called for demonstrating a 23-hour block time, measured from parking-brake release at departure to its application at the arrival stand. Airbus said this allowed for Qantas's intended 21 hrs 40 mins of flight time, plus holding, diversion and taxi time. The test therefore examined the systems and operating duration needed for future airline missions; its record distance does not establish a passenger-service range with a full commercial payload.

Airbus's July account put the flight at 12,460nm; its November record announcement gives 12,503nm. Both give a duration of 24 hrs 24 mins.

Airways covered the Melbourne–Toulouse return flight in July, before the manufacturer's record announcement.

Project Sunrise Still Ahead

Qantas plans Sydney–London nonstops from October 2027 and Sydney–New York service from mid-2028. The airline says its 12 Project Sunrise A350-1000ULRs will each have 238 seats across four cabins, with flights lasting up to 22 hours. Aircraft certification and regulatory approvals remain conditions of the planned services.

Airbus's November announcement schedules the first delivery for April 2027. Qantas expects tickets for Sydney–New York to go on sale from August 2027.