Posh first-class suites and a stretching area: Upgrades planned for world’s longest flight
Quick summary
Qantas, the flag carrier of Australia, is gearing up to launch the world's two longest flights.
Dubbed "Project Sunrise," the airline has been working since well before the pandemic to take on the "final frontier of aviation," direct flights from the east coast of Australia to Europe and New York.
As Australia reopens after being closed to visitors for nearly two years, the airline is making a big bet on the return of ultra-long-haul travel. Qantas formalized plans on Sunday evening to order 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft that will be capable of flying these roughly 10,000-mile-long hops.
These jets are due to be delivered in the next few years, with plans to launch nonstop service from Sydney to London Heathrow (LHR) and New York-JFK at a yet undisclosed date in 2025.
While the Airbus widebodies are going to be configured with extra fuel tanks for ultra-long-haul missions, Qantas is also making upgrades to the passenger experience that are poised to promote wellbeing during these roughly 20-hour flights.
Those seated in the very pointy end of the plane will no doubt enjoy the most relaxing onboard experience. As part of the aircraft order, Qantas unveiled some renderings of its new first-class suite debuting on the A350.
Behind the scenes: What it was like on the 19-hour Project Sunrise flight
Arranged in a 1-1-1 configuration, the new product will feature a separate bed and reclining chair. There will be a sliding door that closes fully for enhanced privacy.
Other nifty features include a 32-inch touchscreen display, a personal wardrobe, multiple storage compartments and other high-tech finishes, like a built-in tablet holder.
There will be six first-class suites on each aircraft. Qantas hasn't (yet) provided any additional specifics, but hopefully the airline draws inspiration from some of the world's best first-class products.
For instance, perhaps Qantas will add virtual windows (like in Emirates' new "game-changer" first class) that stream a live feed of the outdoors.
Qantas should also consider adding a swivel feature to the reclining chair, a feature that you'll find in Singapore's latest A380 suites. Otherwise, sitting in the seat for long stretches could feel claustrophobic.
Those seated in one of the 52 business-class pods will enjoy a self-service bar located between the forward and rear cabins. Qantas didn't share any additional details about its biz cabin, but promised direct aisle access for all customers in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Hopefully, the airline will also add sliding doors for each suite, as well as a double-bed option for couples traveling together in the center seats.
Perhaps the most exciting addition for those traveling "in the back" will be the addition of a so-called "wellbeing zone." This space is designed to promote stretching, movement and hydration, according to Qantas.
This area will occupy the space between the premium economy and coach cabin and will presumably be accessible to any passenger, regardless of the ticketed cabin.
Several of the renderings that Qantas shared indicate that the wellbeing zone won't have any seats or benches, but will rather be focused on encouraging passengers to stretch their legs and increase blood circulation.
The renderings include a space for a walk-up bar that'll likely be stocked with juices and other drinks, as well as whole fruits and health-inspired snacks.
As for the rest of the plane, premium economy will be arranged in a five-row layout with 40 recliners arranged in a 2-4-2 layout. Each recliner will feature 40 inches of pitch.
Meanwhile, those seated in coach will enjoy a (well-above-average) pitch of 33 inches. The 140 seats will be spread across a 3-3-3 configuration.
While the details are still light, it appears that Qantas isn't just focused on finding the right aircraft to fly the world's longest flights. The airline is also working hard to make it as comfortable and healthy an experience as possible.
After all, finding passengers willing to sit in a metal tube for more than 20 hours at a time may be the hardest part of the entire "Project Sunrise."