The new Qantas A350 cabin for Project Sunrise has been revealed in a video posted by the Australian carrier. While we already knew what first class and business class looked like, now we also get to see the rest of the plane.
Project Sunrise, for those wondering, are the non-stop flights planned to operate from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York. Flight times will be over 20 hours, with 17,016km being covered (that’s 10,573 miles for the Americans!). That means on board comfort is paramount.
Qantas A350 Cabin
According to the press release, the Qantas A350 cabin contains the world’s first well-being zone on an aircraft. This is located between premium economy and economy and contains integrated stretch handles, an on screen exercise programme and a place to get refreshments. You can see it from 2 minutes 45 seconds in the video.
While a first class seat will be out of reach for most people, business class looks quite comfortable. More importantly, the exclusive premium economy seat designed for Qantas, with 40″ pitch and the privacy wings, footrest and so on looks very nice indeed. Even economy with the 33″ pitch looks quite nice, with its calming colour palette.
But 20 Hours On A Flight? Really?
Naysayers can’t believe anyone would want to spend that long on a flight. Australians are all for it, judging by the success of the 18 hour Perth to London flights. These recorded 92% of seats being full, which was the highest on the Qantas international network.
- Perth to London is operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Lots of research has gone into Project Sunrise, with bespoke catering, mood lighting and even the cabin fittings being designed for the best inflight experience. Qantas is perhaps the world’s most experienced airline when it comes to long-haul travel, so I think people are in safe hands.
Overall Thoughts
I’ve flown the 18 hour sector from Doha to Auckland with Qatar Airways in business class and found the long flight to be quite fine. As first class and business class passengers can lay down, it’s no problem. Doing it sat upright in economy class would be more of a trial, hence Qantas adding the well-being zone.
These flights are going to be very popular once the aircraft enter service in late 2025. The Australian airline is sure to charge a pretty penny for them too!
What do you think of the Qantas A350 cabin? Has it whet your appetite for a flight or put you right off? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
Like planes? See my “Does anyone remember” series.
Flight reviews your thing? Mine are all indexed here.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Emily Kame Kngwarreye 787 via FishyCookies on Pinterest.
The world bespoke is just awful. Can’t you use a synonym? Just arrogantly obnoxious.
Fixed that for you there!