Qantas tests new ultra-long range Airbus in 17,000km direct flight from France to Melbourne

Airbus A350-1000ULR becomes the most watched plane on flight tracking websites as Qantas tests new aircraft for its Project Sunrise

Qantas’s new ultra long-distance aircraft is set to land on Australian soil for the first time on Friday after a 19-hour test flight from France.

The Airbus A350-1000ULR, designed for Qantas to complete some of the longest commercial flights in the world, set off on a nonstop journey from Airbus’ manufacturing facility Toulouse, France on Thursday, destined for Melbourne.