Quantas Project Sunrise

Project Sunrise

Qantas releases further details of its new A350 cabin, featuring a Wellbeing Zone for in-flight comfort.

With personal wellbeing at the forefront of minds in the wake of the pandemic, airlines are looking for ways in which to enhance comfort in flight, whether through space, air quality or amenities. In recognition of this shift, Qantas has revealed further details of its A350 cabin, specially configured for improved comfort on long-haul flights with more spacious seating and a Wellbeing Zone.

Forming part of Project Sunrise – a plan to provide direct flights from the east coast of Australia to Europe and New York – the cabin scheme has been developed in line with medical and scientific data collected on research flights from New York and London to Sydney in 2019. The aircraft will carry 238 passengers – the lowest seat count of any A350-1000 in service – across four classes, from First to Economy, with more than 40% of the cabin dedicated to premium seating. The interior overhaul includes the introduction of six spacious First Class Suites complete with a privacy door, separate bed and recliner lounge chair, individual wardrobe for each passenger and a 32-inch entertainment screen. There’s also a next-generation Business Suite, a new Premium Economy seat pitched at 40 inches, and a new Economy seat pitched at 33 inches.

All passengers will also be invited to stretch their legs mid-air in the Wellbeing Zone, a dedicated space at the heart of the plane designed for movement, stretching and hydration with a self-serve snack station and digital displays providing exercise and mobility recommendations set within a calming colour scheme. Rounding out the wellness-focused concept, the aircraft will be fitted with HEPA filters throughout to reduce 99.9% particles and refreshed air every 2-3 minutes, meaning passengers will arrive feeling refreshed.

Qantas has now confirmed an order for 12 Airbus A350-1000s featuring the new design, with the aircraft expected to take flight on the long-haul route by 2025.