Airbus tests A350-1000ULR aircraft capable of flying 22 hours non-stop

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced that its new wide-body airliner A350-1000ULR successfully completed its first test flight. The aircraft is capable of flying up to 22 hours without refueling.

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced on Tuesday a breakthrough in civil aviation — the new wide-body airliner A350-1000ULR completed its first test flight. The aircraft is capable of flying non-stop for up to 22 hours, opening the door to unprecedented long-haul direct flights.

The A350-1000ULR represents an Ultra Long Range variant, based on the already established A350-1000 platform. An enhanced fuel system and aerodynamic optimizations allow the aircraft to cover distances that previously required refueling stops.

The 22-hour flight capability means in practice that the aircraft can directly connect, for example, Europe with remote Oceania destinations or South American outlying regions, where refueling stops have been necessary until now. This opens new opportunities for airlines in route planning and provides passengers with more convenient connections.