NEW YORK: Airbus has officially confirmed that its ultra-long-range A350-1000 aircraft has secured a Guinness World Record after completing a nonstop flight lasting 24 hours and 24 minutes under Project Sunrise.
The record-setting journey took place on July 27, 2026 covering 23,155 kilometres from Melbourne, Australia to Toulouse, France without an intermediate stop.
During the flight the aircraft crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans travelling over Australia, North America and Europe. The journey demonstrated the capabilities of the aircraft over an exceptionally long distance and extended period.
The passengers and crew experienced two sunsets and two sunrises during the flight highlighting the extraordinary duration of the journey.
A total of 13 people were on board including Airbus test pilots and engineers, two Qantas pilots a design engineer and a representative of the International Aeronautical Federation (FAI).
The achievement represents more than a record for flight distance and duration. It also demonstrates advances in aircraft engineering, fuel management and operational planning, alongside the endurance required from pilots and other personnel involved in such an extended journey.
The A350-1000’s performance during the flight is expected to be significant for the development of ultra-long-haul aviation particularly as airlines explore services connecting distant cities without stopovers.
The first aircraft delivery is scheduled for April 2027 while commercial operations are planned to begin later that year.
