Inside 22-hour test flight before new direct UK to Australia route opens
Qantas is preparing to launch the first 22-hour-long direct flights from London to the east coast of Australia that could cut hours off passenger journey times
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Airbus supply chain issues pushed back delivery of the plane by approximately four months.
"It comes after Airbus admitted supply chain issues pushed back the delivery of the plane by some four months."
The aircraft is scheduled for delivery to Qantas in April.
"The plane will be refitted and given a fresh coat of paint ahead of its delivery to the airline in April, the spokesperson continued."
Qantas plans to announce the first route and timing of passenger flights on the new plane later this month.
"Qantas said it plans to announce the first route and timing of passenger flights on the new plane later this month."
The new Qantas planes will be the first non-stop flights from Australia's east coast to both London and New York.
"A Qantas spokesperson said the planes would be the first non-stop flights from Australia's east coast to both London and New York."
The Airbus A350-1000ULR features an extra fuel tank adding 1,118 miles of range.
"The extra tank adds a whopping 1,118 miles of range."
The Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR completed its maiden test flight from Toulouse, France on Tuesday, lasting 3 hours and 43 minutes.
"The Airbus test is the first of several ahead of planned direct flights from London to the Australian east coast"
"A Qantas spokesperson said the test flight ran for three hours and 43 minutes."
"The plane took off from Toulouse on Tuesday"
The Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR reached an altitude of over 41,000 feet during the test flight.
"The plane also reached an altitude of more than 41,000ft."