Airbus A350-1000 covers 23,155 kilometres from Australia to France without a stopover under Project Sunrise, setting a new Guinness World Record.
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, covering 23,155 kilometres from Melbourne, Australia, to Toulouse, France, under Project Sunrise.
The record-setting journey took place on July 27, 2026, demonstrating the aircraft’s ability to remain airborne for an exceptionally long period while travelling across continents and oceans without an intermediate stop.
During the flight, the aircraft crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, travelling over Australia, North America and Europe before reaching its destination in France. The journey highlighted the capabilities of the A350-1000 in handling ultra-long-distance operations and extended flight durations.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the journey was the experience of witnessing two sunrises and two sunsets during a single flight. The unusual occurrence reflected the extraordinary duration of the journey and the vast distances covered by the aircraft.
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 participation of aviation professionals from different areas also made the flight an important demonstration of aircraft testing, engineering expertise and operational coordination. Managing a journey lasting more than 24 hours required careful planning, fuel management and sustained performance from both the aircraft and its crew.
The achievement represents more than a record for flight distance and duration. It highlights advances in aircraft engineering and the operational capabilities required to support ultra-long-haul aviation. Such flights also demonstrate the endurance and coordination needed from pilots, engineers and other personnel involved in extended airborne operations.
The A350-1000’s performance under Project Sunrise could have significance for the future development of long-distance commercial aviation. Airlines are increasingly exploring the possibility of connecting major cities across distant regions through direct services without requiring passengers to change aircraft or make intermediate stops.
The record-setting flight provides an important demonstration of the potential of ultra-long-range aircraft to support such operations, although the development of commercial routes will also depend on operational and airline requirements.
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