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Qantas has released a virtual video showing what the first and business-class cabins will look like on its Project Sunrise A350-1000s.
The business’s chief executive, Alan Joyce, said the cabins were the “most sophisticated and thoughtful design” of any airline.
Project Sunrise is the code name for the airline’s plan to fly non-stop to faraway destinations using a new fleet of 12 specially-adapted A350-1000s.
“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.”
Qantas said its first suites would be a “mini boutique hotel room” with an extra-wide fixed bed, separate recliner chair, personal wardrobe, dining table for two and a 32-inch, ultra-high definition TV.
“Every Business suite will have direct aisle access for ease of moving around the cabin, and Qantas is incorporating sliding doors into the suite for privacy, if desired,” said Qantas.
“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.”
Qantas said its A350s will have six first class suites in a 1-1-1 configuration and 52 Business Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Australian Aviation previously reported how Project Sunrise direct flights from Australia’s east coast are likely to begin with New York, not London.
In comments reported by Bloomberg, Joyce revealed the British capital would follow next, despite its current flights there being its most iconic ‘Kangaroo’ service, and one of the first routes restarted post-pandemic.
The service is set to begin “by the end of the calendar year 2025” from Sydney.
Speaking at the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam, Joyce also said there had been no indication the aircraft’s deliveries could be delayed and was “quite happy” with his communication with Airbus.
However, he indicated he would speak to the planemaker’s chief executive, Guillaume Faury, about how “on track” the A350s are.
The already ultra-long-haul aircraft will need to be adapted to house additional fuel tanks to make the 20-hour flight.
“I think every airline would be after certainty on the time-frames,” he said, adding that if deliveries come “a month later, it doesn’t make much difference, if it’s six months or a year, that can make a big difference.”
Alongside the A350s, Qantas has an order for 20 Airbus A321XLRs and 20 A220-300s, to gradually replace its current fleet of Boeing 737 and 717 flying domestically.
The order also includes purchase options for up to 94 additional aircraft through to 2034.
Deliveries of the narrow-body aircraft are expected to begin in 2023, while the Project Sunrise aircraft will all arrive by 2028.
