
India, June 19 -- Qantas has today revealed the next evolution in the cabin design for Project Sunrise, which will launch with the world's first non-stop services between Sydney and London from October 2027.
Aircraft & Capacity
- Launching October 2027 with Sydney-London non-stop flights.
- Airbus A350-1000ULR configured with 238 seats - the lowest density of any A350 worldwide, prioritizing space and comfort.
- Research-driven design in partnership with the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, Caon Design Office, and technology partners.
Cabin by Cabin
- First Class (6 suites, 1-1-1): 80-inch flat bed + recliner, wardrobe, large dining/work space, memory foam mattress, circadian lighting, discreet digital crew communication.
- Business (52 suites, 1-2-1): Sliding doors, adjustable dividers, 80-inch flat bed, flexible dining aligned with circadian rhythms, luminescent lighting for sleep optimization.
- Premium Economy (40 seats, 2-4-2): Ergonomic leg/calf cradle, privacy headrest, generous pitch, bespoke memory foam system.
- Economy (140 seats, 3-3-3): More generous pitch than current Qantas aircraft, breathable wool upholstery, memory foam cushioning.
- Economy Plus (42 seats): 34-inch pitch, priority boarding, overhead space access; complimentary for Platinum One/Platinum frequent flyers.
Wellbeing Zone
- World's first purpose-built inflight Wellbeing Zone.
- Stretch handles, guided movement program, hydration station, premium refreshments.
- Located between Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity
- Most significant system upgrade in a decade.
- Features: journey planner synced with cabin lighting, 15 languages, "watch together" sharing, fast Wi-Fi, Bluetooth pairing.
- Personalized viewing history and intuitive interface.
Leadership Comments
- Vanessa Hudson (Qantas CEO): Cabin designed around the science of long-haul wellbeing, aiming for passengers to "arrive feeling their best."
- David Caon (Caon Design Office): Every detail bespoke for Qantas, focused on comfort, ergonomics, and refreshed arrival.
Future Routes
- Sydney-London first, followed by Sydney-New York.
- Additional east coast international connections to be announced.
This is a bold reimagining of ultra-long-haul travel: Qantas is betting on science-backed comfort, wellbeing innovation, and premium differentiation to make 20+ hour flights not just tolerable, but appealing.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.