Airbus aircraft sets world record with 24-hour nonstop flight

Airbus has confirmed that its ultra-long-range A350-1000 aircraft has set a Guinness World Record after completing a nonstop flight lasting 24 hours and 24 minutes under Project Sunrise.

The aircraft covered 23,155 kilometres without landing during the flight from Melbourne, Australia, to Toulouse, France, on July 27, 2026.

The journey crossed the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, taking the aircraft over Australia, North America and Europe.

Passengers and crew witnessed two sunsets and two sunrises during the flight. 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 record highlights the aircraft's long-range capabilities as well as advances in aviation engineering, fuel management and operational planning. The flight also tested the endurance of the aircraft and those on board.

The first delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for April 2027, with commercial operations planned to begin later that year