Qantas tests new ultra long-range Airbus in 17,000km direct flight from France to Melbourne

Airbus A350–1000ULR becomes most watched plane on flight tracking websites as Qantas tests new aircraft for its Project Sunrise

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Qantas’s new ultra long-distance aircraft has landed on Australian soil for the first time on Friday after a 19-hour test flight from France.

The Airbus A350-1000ULR, designed for Qantas to complete some of the longest commercial flights in the world, set off on a nonstop journey from Airbus’ manufacturing facility Toulouse, France on Thursday, destined for Melbourne.

Continue reading…