Announced in 2017, Project Sunrise was created to connect eastern Australia to Europe and New York nonstop — revolutionizing air travel as we know it.
While pandemic-related delays halted the program in 2020, Qantas is expecting to launch flights from Sydney to London and New York in late-2025 using 12 modified Airbus A350-1000s.
The company has since used the data to drive its cabin design, which includes several elements aimed at reducing jet lag and improving comfort — especially as the Sydney-London route becomes the new world's longest flight, dethroning Singapore Airlines.
Take a look at Qantas' new cabin.
Qantas' A350-1000 aircraft will carry up to 238 people in four classes — first, business, premium economy, and economy.
Qantas' future Airbus A350-1000 jets will have amenities like a "wellbeing zone" and wireless charging ports.
Qantas already showcased its new first and business class cabins in May, including six suites at the front of the jet that feature amenities like a sliding door…
However, unlike many airlines, Qantas has added a privacy door to business — joining the ranks of carriers like Japan's All Nippon Airways and Delta Air Lines.
"The new Project Sunrise flights give us the opportunity to re-think long-haul travel in its entirety, from aircraft cabin design, to what ingredients we include on the inflight menu," he said.
A total of 180 seats make up economy, including 40 in premium economy and 140 in regular coach — all of which will "have the most generous seat pitches of any Qantas aircraft."
Because there are just 238 seats onboard — as opposed to the 300-plus on other carriers like Qatar Airways — Qantas' A350-1000s have space for an industry-first "wellbeing zone."
"Fewer seats translate to more space for each customer and a dedicated Wellbeing Zone for travelers to stretch, help themselves to a snack, and spend time out of their seat," Joyce explained.
According to the company, the project "will deliver more direct routes to Australia, significantly reduced point-to-point travel time (up to four hours compared with one-stop flights), and a flying experience second to none."
