Qantas has revealed how it plans to keep travellers comfortable, even in economy, when it starts flying direct from Sydney to New York and London from late 2025. The airline also released world-first scientific research on reducing jet lag and improving sleep and overall wellbeing before, during and after ultra long-haul flights.
The Qantas Project Sunrise flights will cut down point-to-point travel time by more than three hours compared to routes with one stop.
By reducing the number of seats onboard the Airbus A350 to 300 plus to 238 Qantas can maximise aircraft performance during ultra long haul flights and improve passenger comfort for up to 22 hours nonstop.
Fewer seats translate to more space for each customer and a dedicated Wellbeing Zone for travellers to stretch, help themselves to a snack and spend time out of their seat.
Qantas says it’s the first airline in the world to offer a purpose-built Wellbeing Zone located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins featuring sculpted wall panels and integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise program, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.
The 40-seat Premium Economy cabin and the 140-seat Economy cabin will thankfully have the greatest seat pitches of any Qantas aircraft. Those in the back will have 33-inches of legroom.
Every seat across all four cabins will feature multiple fast USB-C charging ports and every premium seat will also have integrated wireless charging. The Qantas A350 fleet will offer free WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. All passengers will be able to connect their personal headset to the individual inflight entertainment screen.
The aircraft will have six large enclosed First Suites designed to feel like a mini boutique hotel room with 2 metre flat bed, dining table for two, separate recliner chair and a 32” 4k ultra-high definition touch screen TV.
The 52 Business Suites will feature sliding doors for additional privacy, lay flat bed, large dining table, bespoke lighting and 18” 4K touch screen TV.