Qantas A350 1000ULR Project Sunrise arrives at Melbourne Airport

Qantas welcomes first Airbus A350-1000ULR, paving way for ultra-long-haul flights and major Melbourne Airport upgrades

Qantas’ first Airbus A350-1000ULR has touched down in Australia, marking a major milestone for Project Sunrise and the future of ultra-long-haul travel.

The aircraft landed in Melbourne after a 19-hour and 12-minute test flight from Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Toulouse.

The specially modified aircraft features an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank and is designed to fly commercially for up to 22 hours.

From October 2027, the fleet is expected to operate Qantas’ world-first nonstop services between Sydney and London.

Meanwhile, Qantas and Melbourne Airport have reached a major commercial agreement covering additional flights, upgraded international lounges, improved check-in facilities and support for the airport’s planned third runway.

The agreement will also help advance Melbourne Airport’s $4.5 billion international terminal expansion.