Qantas unveils new First Class Suites for the world´s longest flight

Once considered unattainable, non-stop flights connecting Sydney to both London and New York are becoming a reality as Qantas, in partnership with Airbus, prepares to debut these historic journeys. Slated for launch in late 2025, these routes will be operated by the bespoke Airbus A350-1000ULR, featuring a suite of innovative cabin products—most notably, the highly anticipated First Class Suites.

Back in 2017, Qantas set an ambitious challenge for Airbus and Boeing: design an aircraft capable of non-stop journeys lasting up to 21 hours. Previously, the world's longest scheduled flight was Singapore Airlines' Singapore to New York service, clocking in at around 19 hours. Airbus responded by engineering the A350-1000ULR, an extended-range variant equipped with additional fuel tanks and advanced aerodynamics to support these epic journeys. Depending on weather and routing, flight durations are forecasted between 18 and 20 hours, with flexibility for unforeseen circumstances such as adverse winds or airspace diversions.

Under the visionary Project Sunrise, Qantas will operate direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to both London and New York, with further ultra-long-haul destinations—including Paris, Frankfurt, Chicago, Rio de Janeiro, and Cape Town—under evaluation based on market demand. Travelers on the Sydney to London leg will save up to five hours compared to the current multi-stop ‘Kangaroo Route’ via Singapore.

Qantas has committed to an initial order of twelve Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, with delivery scheduled for the latter half of 2025. Each jet will be luxuriously appointed with only 238 seats across four cabins, setting a new standard for spaciousness and comfort. This density is notably lower than competitors: British Airways configures 331 seats on its A350-1000s, Etihad 371, and budget carrier French Bee fits 480 on the same airframe.

Unlike Singapore Airlines, which focuses solely on Business and Premium Economy for its ultra-long-haul flights, Qantas offers all four cabin classes—First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy—providing operational flexibility. This enables Qantas to seamlessly deploy these aircraft on both marathon and shorter international routes, ensuring optimal fleet utilization and passenger choice.

Qantas has unveiled renderings of its state-of-the-art First Class Suites, offering a glimpse into the future of ultra-long-haul luxury. The exclusive First cabin will feature just six private suites arranged in a 1-1-1 configuration over two rows, enveloping each guest in unparalleled comfort and tranquility. 

Every First Class Suite is meticulously designed with a dedicated seat and a fully separate bed, a personal wardrobe, and an expansive 32-inch high-definition entertainment screen. While the suites offer full-height closing doors for privacy, they stop short of the floor-to-ceiling designs seen on Emirates' flagship First Class. Qantas enhances the passenger experience with personalized lighting, temperature, and humidity controls tailored to support passenger wellbeing during prolonged flights.

This innovative layout, featuring a distinct sleeping area and armchair, draws inspiration from Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites, though Qantas' footprint is more intimate and does not offer a convertible double suite. Aviation enthusiasts may recall Lufthansa's former 747-400 First Class, which also paired a seat with a separate bed before its retirement.

One consideration: the Qantas First Class Suite, like Emirates' current offering, is optimized for solo travelers. This design may be less ideal for couples seeking shared space, despite the growing segment of premium leisure passengers traveling together.

The latest Qantas A350-1000ULR will also introduce a new Business Class seat, anticipated to evolve from the current flagship design on the airline’s Boeing 787, A330, and A380 aircraft. Expect enhanced privacy with higher seat walls, and industry watchers speculate sliding doors may be added for a more exclusive experience. Business Class will feature 52 seats split between two cabins—28 in one and 24 in the other—balancing capacity with personal space. 

Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers will also enjoy thoughtful upgrades. Premium Economy boasts a generous 40-inch seat pitch, surpassing the 38-inch standard on existing Qantas long-haul jets. Economy travelers benefit from a 33-inch pitch, offering noticeably more legroom than the 31-32 inches typical elsewhere in the fleet.

For enhanced inflight wellbeing, Qantas introduces a dedicated Self Service Bar Zone in Business Class and a communal Wellbeing Zone situated between Premium Economy and Economy. While details remain under wraps, this space is designed for stretching, movement, and socializing, addressing the unique needs of ultra-long-haul travelers.

Stay tuned to BusinessClass.com for exclusive coverage as Qantas officially unveils its new Business Class product for the A350-1000ULR.

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