Caught this almost 24-hour flight on my flight feeder, on screen right now.
I believe the A350-1000 variant is in some kind of testing. According to various articles, flight certification was granted in 2018. But it appears that Airbus is conducting a lot of these flights that appear to be test flights, not commercial flights, and not operated by any airline.
A350-1000 ULR
different cert.
watched some video, apparently the European authorities requested a redesign of the extra fuel tank (located in the belly somewhere).
it’s for SYD - LHR direct (and some others maybe?)
Quantas is buying the variant.
Qantas Project Sunrise.
Direct Sydney to London and New York flights (I am waiting for the direct NYC flights).
They don’t appear to be much quicker though. It is probably because they need to fly slower for fuel economy. The NYC flights will take about 22 hours. The current flights, via LAX, take 22-24 hours.
This may improve over time. I remember when the Sydney to LAX flights had to stop in Hawaii to refuel.
Ah, OK… got it. Thanks…! I was wondering because my flight feeder has caught quite a few of these flights over the past 3 months…
When it lands it will drop off the “U”.
