Overview
- Airbus has joined the fuselage sections with the wings, tail and landing gear, and the jet is moving to engine and flight‑test instrumentation installation in Toulouse.
- Qantas expects to launch non‑stop Sydney–London and Sydney–New York services in the first half of 2027 after the 2026 test program.
- The aircraft is the first of 12 A350‑1000ULRs on order, with initial delivery targeted for late 2026.
- Qantas says the ultra‑long‑range variant can fly for up to 22 hours non‑stop using an additional ~20,000‑litre rear centre fuel tank, trimming up to four hours off current one‑stop travel times.
- Cabins add a dedicated wellbeing zone and a reduced 238‑seat layout, with research‑driven lighting and timed meals developed with the University of Sydney to help reduce jet lag.