Australia's flag carrier has unveiled prototypes of the First Class and Business Class cabins that will be offered to passengers when flying from Australia to New York and London from late 2025.
Project Sunrise - the plan to fly the airline's most popular long-haul routes non-stop was first announced by Qantas in May 2022. Qantas has initially ordered twelve Airbus A350-1000ULR jets, with deliveries planned for the second half of 2025.
The aircraft will feature just 238 seats across four classes, with all featuring new seat designs that Qantas says "redefines" the travel experience.
The Qantas A350 will have six First Class suites in a 1-1-1 configuration and 52 Business Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration.
The spacious First Class suite features an extra-wide fixed bed, separate recliner chair, personal wardrobe, dining table for two and a 32” ultra-high definition television. They will feature closing doors - but not floor-to-ceiling like in the latest "gamechanger" First Class product from Emirates. The suites will also offer tailored lighting, temperature, and humidification - all in the name of wellbeing.
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.
Other Business features include a two metre flat bed, generous storage (including a large mirror), cushioned leather ottoman, 18” ultra-high definition touch screen television, large dining table and feature lighting.
The Qantas A350 will offer fast and free high-speed Wi-Fi and First Class & Business Class features multiple personal device charging options including wireless induction charging.
The aircraft will have Bluetooth connectivity allowing all customers to connect their own Bluetooth-enabled headset to the in-flight entertainment system. Qantas will offer passengers added space for stretching their legs, with Business Class featuring a Self Service Bar Zone. A Wellbeing Zone located between Premium Economy and Economy Class will be available to all passengers, alhough the exact purpose of this area remains a mystery for now.
In 2017, Qantas challenged Airbus and Boeing to create an aircraft capable of flying non-stop for up to 21 hours. The longest scheduled flight - until now - has been the Singapore Airlines non-stop flight from Singapore to New York, taking up to 19 hours. Airbus rose to the challenge and designed the A350-1000ULR, essentially a larger version of the A350-900URL flying for Singapore Airlines. The ‘Ultra Long Range’ Airbus carries an extra fuel tank and features other design and engineering modifications which adds to the range. Flights are expected to take between 18 to 20 hours with some leeway required for extra flying time due to strong headwinds or unexpected delays or diversions.
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Read the BusinessClass.com review of Qantas Business Class
A virtual A350 experience from Qantas:
