Overview
- Major fuselage sections, wings, tail and landing gear are now joined in Toulouse, and the aircraft is moving to a hangar for engine and flight‑test instrumentation installation.
- Qantas and Airbus plan an extensive flight‑test campaign in 2026, with first deliveries due late 2026 and commercial launch targeted for the first half of 2027.
- The ultra‑long‑range capability comes from an additional 20,000‑liter rear center fuel tank and system upgrades, enabling nonstops expected to cut up to four hours from current one‑stop trips.
- The cabin will seat 238 passengers and includes a dedicated Wellbeing Zone, with design features informed by University of Sydney research to reduce jet lag through lighting and timed meal service.
- Qantas has 24 A350‑1000s on order, including 12 ULR variants for Project Sunrise, and said near‑term domestic revenue growth will be at the lower end of guidance as the rollout progresses.