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Qantas has revealed more details on the cabin interiors for its Project Sunrise A350-1000ULRs.
The specially-configured planes, which will fly from Sydney to London starting in October 2027 with Sydney-New York to follow, will carry just 238 seats, including six first-class, 52 in business, 40 in premium economy, and 140 in economy including Economy Plus.
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“Project Sunrise has given us the chance to think differently about every aspect of the onboard experience,” said Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson.
“Working closely with Charles Perkins Centre over many years, we’ve designed the experience around the science of what the body needs on a long flight, so customers arrive feeling their best.
“This will be a completely new way to travel, and our customers are going to feel that from the moment they step on board.”
The six first-class suites will be laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration, with 1-2-1 for the business class suites, 2-4-2 for premium economy, and 3-3-3 for economy. This is the lowest seat density of any A350 in the world, says Qantas.
“Customers will also have a new way to add comfort to the Economy experience through Qantas Economy Plus. Positioned at the front of the A350-1000ULR cabin, the 42 Economy Plus seats offer a 34-inch pitch, priority boarding, and priority access to overhead baggage space,” the Flying Kangaroo said in a press release.
“More than 70 per cent of seats on the aircraft will offer a pitch of 33 inches or more, the most generous of any Qantas aircraft.
“Qantas Platinum One and Platinum Frequent Flyers receive complimentary access to Economy Plus seating at the time of booking, and Gold Frequent Flyers from 24 hours before departure, subject to availability.”
The aircraft will also include the “Wellbeing Zone” accessible to all passengers, and a new entertainment system with an on-screen “journey planner”, viewing history, movie sharing functionality, and high-speed wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
According to designer Caon Design Office founder David Caon, seating, lighting, dining and wellbeing have been “designed to work as one” to maximise passenger comfort.
“Every part of the Project Sunrise cabin has been designed specifically for Qantas. Passenger experience, from comfort levels to wellbeing, drove our process as we carefully considered the cabin environment’s design,” he said.
“We have spent years developing details, working with engineers and suppliers, developing bespoke materials and lighting, working through ergonomic considerations and collaborating with the Charles Perkins Centre. The goal has always been for customers to step off these flights feeling refreshed.”
Qantas’ first A350-1000ULR is in flight testing ahead of its April 2027 delivery, with the second to follow. Around 40 Qantas A330 pilots are currently training for the A350.
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