Qantas has unveiled prototypes of the First and Business cabins on the A350 aircraft for ‘Project Sunrise’ that will fly passengers non-stop from Australia to New York and London from late 2025. A virtual reality fly through of the aircraft cabin has also been revealed.
“Today, we’re unveiling prototypes of the first and business class suites on those aircraft, which are the most luxurious seats we’ve ever had on a Qantas aircraft. They really will be a new era of travel,” added Joyce
Qantas claims that the flagship cabins are the first to be developed from the ground up and designed with ultra-long-haul travel in mind. Qantas has configured its 12 A350s from 300-plus seat layout to just 238 seats to give passengers more space.
“Qantas has been the leader in opening up new long-haul flights for most of our history, and we’re bringing everything we’ve learned, both technically and in terms of passenger comfort, to Project Sunrise flying,” said Joyce “We think our A350 cabins have the most sophisticated and thoughtful design of any airline, combining cutting edge technology with sleep research to shape the look and feel for what is effectively a new era of travel. We’re building on the customer experience of our extremely popular non-stop flights from Perth to London as we keep working to make it easier to connect Australia with the rest of the world.”
The First suite has a range of features to make customers feel like they are in a mini boutique hotel room complete with an extra-wide fixed bed, separate recliner chair, personal wardrobe, dining table for two and a 32” ultra-high-definition TV.
Every Business suite has a direct aisle access for ease of moving around the cabin, and Qantas is incorporating sliding doors into the suite for privacy, if desired.
Other Business features include a two-metre flat bed, generous storage (including a large mirror), cushioned leather ottoman, 18” ultra-high-definition touch screen TV, large dining table and feature lighting. First and Business will also offer multiple personal device charging options including wireless induction charging.
The Qantas A350 will offer fast and free high-speed Wi-Fi with partner Viasat following completion of key satellite launches covering the Qantas international network. The aircraft will also feature Bluetooth connectivity allowing all customers to connect their own Bluetooth-enabled headset to the in-flight entertainment system.
“Every possible opportunity has been seized upon to promote wellbeing and comfort in the First and Business suites,” said Australian designer David Caon. “We began designing this aircraft cabin five years ago, working with Airbus and Qantas to maximise space, as well as creating a tailored lighting program that will influence mood and sleep patterns.”
“All the design and service elements will work together to significantly improve inflight comfort, convenience and health and wellbeing and help minimise the old nemesis of jetlag. Every element has been created for Qantas, from the reading light right down to the fabrics, to ensure that passengers spend their journey in refined comfort,” added Caon. “There are also a number of storage design elements to keep personal items within arm’s reach so the space can be personalised by each individual passenger to feel just like they are in their own bed at home.”
The Qantas A350 will have six First suites in a 1-1-1 configuration and 52 Business Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. It will also feature a Wellbeing Zone for all passengers, which will be unveiled alongside the Premium Economy and Economy cabins in the coming months.