Qantas’ ‘super-range’ A350 takes off for the first time: Soon direct flights lasting 22 hours

“Following the test flight campaign, MSN 707 will be refitted to Qantas’ commercial specifications,” Airbus said, adding that delivery of the second ultra-long-haul aircraft to the Australian company is planned for April 2027 and is “now in an advanced stage of final assembly” and “ready to leave the paint shop in the coming months.” for days”.

Qantas reported that “the successful first flight marks the start of a two-month test campaign” and that it will announce the first route of the so-called “Project Sunrise” later in June and when the first commercial flights will begin.

The carrier ordered 12 modified A350 aircraft in 2022. At the time, it planned to start direct flights connecting Sydney with cities such as New York and London from the end of 2025.

Airbus previously cited supply chain issues as the reason for the delay.

There are currently no direct flights connecting the east coast of Australia with Europe.

The London-Sydney route is 17,750 kilometers long, which is more than 1,500 kilometers longer than the New York-Sydney route. But both routes would take approximately the same time – up to 22 hours – due to the more favorable wind towards Europe.