Qantas Vega A350-1000ULR Completes Test Flight

Vega, the first Qantas-equipped A350-1000ULR, completed a near-19-hour non-stop test flight from Toulouse to Melbourne, marking a milestone for Project Sunrise toward London-to-Sydney non-stop service planned for 2027. The flight was conducted by four Airbus pilots and five flight-test engineers who evaluated systems, including a 20,000-liter rear fuel tank that extends range to about 22 hours. Return logistics require two Qantas pilots to join the Airbus crew for the Toulouse-bound leg in late July as part of certification activities. The program envisions a fleet of 12 ultra-long-range jets carrying 238 seats with cabin features designed for long-haul travel, supporting future nonstop routes such as Sydney–London and Sydney–New York beginning in 2027, subject to regulatory approval. Analysts and industry observers note the flight’s significance for transforming long-haul travel, while noting certification, fleet delivery, and crew training must proceed before services materialize. The aircraft remains slated for delivery in 2027 and is not yet in final livery.