Airbus has set a new world record for the longest test flight by a passenger aircraft after its A350-1000ULR stayed in the air for 24 hours and 23 minutes.

The ultra-long-range jet is being developed for Qantas as part of the Australian airline’s Project Sunrise, which aims to open up direct nonstop services on some of the world’s longest routes.

The flight beat a record that had stood for two decades, previously held by Boeing’s 777-200LR.

The achievement marks a key milestone for Airbus as it continues testing the A350-1000ULR, a version of its A350-1000 designed for extreme long-distance operations. The aircraft is intended to support flights that push the limits of current commercial aviation, with Qantas planning to use it on routes connecting Australia with major cities in Europe and North America without a stopover.

Project Sunrise has become one of the most closely watched airline programmes in the industry because it targets direct flights of more than 20 hours. Qantas has long argued that such services would save time for passengers and reshape travel patterns from Australia, where many international journeys currently require one or more connections.

The A350-1000ULR’s record flight also highlights the continuing competition among aircraft makers to build planes capable of flying farther and more efficiently. Long-range aircraft are increasingly important to airlines looking to open thinner routes, reduce journey times and offer premium nonstop services.

Airbus has not said when the aircraft will enter commercial service, but the test flight suggests the programme is advancing through a major technical phase. The 24-hour-plus endurance is a notable demonstration of the aircraft’s range and the systems needed to keep it operating reliably over extended periods.

The previous record held by the Boeing 777-200LR had stood for about 20 years, making Airbus’s latest result a significant breakthrough in the long-haul race. For Qantas, the aircraft remains central to a fleet strategy built around some of the longest passenger flights in the world.