Thousands of aviation enthusiasts around the world spent their day watching a single aircraft inch across flight-tracking maps as Qantas’ first ultra-long-range Airbus A350-1000ULR began its journey from France to Australia. The specially built aircraft, destined to operate the airline’s future non-stop service from Sydney, Australia to London, U.K., departed Airbus’ assembly facility in Toulouse, France at 7:33 a.m. local time Thursday morning, then touched down Friday morning in Melbourne, Australia at 10:46 local time, more than 19 hours later. Interest in the flight surged almost immediately after takeoff. The aircraft climbed to the top of Flightradar24’s list of the world’s most-watched flights, with more than 10,000 people following its progress in real time as it crossed continents toward Australia. For aircraft spotters and aviation fans, the journey marks more than just a delivery flight. It is the first glimpse of the aircraft that will eventually power Qantas’ long-awaited Project Sunrise, an initiative designed to connect Australia directly with destinations without a fuel stop. The Airbus A350-1000ULR has been specially configured for ultra-long-haul operations, allowing it to remain airborne for close to 20 hours. Qantas plans to begin non-stop Sydney-London flights using the aircraft in October 2027. The airline has spent years preparing for Project Sunrise, conducting research flights and studying the effects of ultra-long-haul travel on passengers and crew before committing to the aircraft. Once in Australia, the jet will undergo additional preparations and testing before entering commercial service.
