Airbus A350-1000 Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Flight by Commercial Airliner

Airbus has secured a Guinness World Record for the longest flight by distance accomplished by a commercial airliner. The company's Ultra-Long Range A350-1000 ULR plane completed a nonstop journey from Melbourne, Australia, to Toulouse, France, covering 12,503 nautical miles in 24 hours and 24 minutes. The record-setting flight was undertaken on July 27-28, 2026, under the test-flight callsign AIB35LR.

The specially modified aircraft departed Melbourne at 17:27 local time on July 27, 2026, and arrived in Toulouse at 09:51 local time on July 28. The flight crossed three continents - Australia, North America, and Europe - and traversed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. During the journey, the crew witnessed two sunsets and two sunrises. There were 13 people onboard, including Airbus test pilots and engineers, two Qantas pilots, Airbus design engineers, and a representative from the World Air Sports Federation (FAI).

The Airbus A350-1000 ULR plane features an additional rear center fuel tank (RCT) with approximately 20,900 liters of additional fuel capacity. This modification increases the aircraft's range by approximately 1,000 nautical miles compared with the standard A350-1000. The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and is being developed to make Qantas Project Sunrise's nonstop Sydney–London and Sydney–New York operations possible.

Qantas has ordered a total of 12 Airbus A350-1000 ULR aircraft for Project Sunrise, which aims to introduce nonstop services connecting Australia's east coast directly with London and New York. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in April 2027, with commercial operations planned to begin later that year. The program represents one of the most ambitious developments in modern long-haul aviation, targeting journeys of up to approximately 22 hours without intermediate stops.

The record-setting flight demonstrates the engineering, fuel-management capabilities, operational planning, and human endurance required to make the next generation of ultra-long-haul air travel possible. Airbus Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lars Wagner announced the achievement on November 9, 2026. The teams involved have been praised for pushing the boundaries of commercial aviation.

The successful flight showcases the capabilities of the Airbus A350-1000 ULR plane and its potential for ultra-long-haul operations. The aircraft's range and endurance make it an ideal candidate for Qantas's Project Sunrise. The record-breaking flight is a significant milestone for Airbus, Qantas, and Rolls-Royce, highlighting their collaboration and innovation in commercial aviation.

The Guinness World Record for the longest flight by distance accomplished by a commercial airliner is a testament to the advancements in aircraft technology and the partnerships between manufacturers, airlines, and regulatory bodies. The achievement paves the way for the development of more efficient and capable aircraft, enabling airlines to offer longer nonstop flights and enhancing the passenger experience.

Key points

• Airbus A350-1000 ULR plane covers 12,503 nautical miles in 24 hours and 24 minutes.
• Qantas has ordered 12 Airbus A350-1000 ULR aircraft for Project Sunrise.
• The record-setting flight demonstrates the engineering and fuel-management capabilities required for ultra-long-haul air travel.