Airbus jet completes 24-hour flight in push for world’s longest commercial route

Airbus completed a test flight lasting more than 24 hours, a key step toward Qantas’ planned nonstop service linking Australia and Europe.

The aircraft – a specially adapted A350-1000ULR – flew 14,338 miles from Melbourne, Australia, to Toulouse, France, in 24 hours and 24 minutes, according to Flightradar24 data.

The flight was a major test for Qantas’ Project Sunrise, launched in 2017 to create the world’s longest nonstop commercial routes.

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Airbus has been testing the aircraft as part of a two-month campaign that began in June.

The journey surpassed a 2005 Boeing flight, when a 777-200LR Worldliner traveled 13,422 miles from Hong Kong to London in 22 hours and 42 minutes.

More than 3.6 million people followed the test flight on Flightradar24, making it the platform’s second-most-tracked flight ever, according to the flight-tracking service.

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The aircraft features an additional fuel tank capable of carrying roughly 20,000 additional liters (5,283 pounds) of fuel and can seat 238 passengers.

Qantas has ordered 12 of the jets. The first is expected to be delivered in April 2027, with daily nonstop flights between Sydney and London planned for October 2027.

"Each cabin has been luxuriously crafted with innovative designs and materials to deliver ultimate comfort on what will be the longest commercial flight in the world," Qantas said on its website.

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The route is expected to take about 19 to 21 hours, depending on winds and the flight path.

Reuters contributed to this report.