Qantas plans non-stop, ultra-long-haul flights from Australian cities to New York & London, starting in 2025. The aircraft will have first-class suites and a well-being zone.
It should be possible for tourists to travel "Down Under" from Europe and the US east coast in just one ultra-long-haul flight under plans unveiled by Qantas called ‘Project Sunrise’
The Australian carrier is ordering 12 Airbus A350-1000s to operate the non-stop flights from Australia to other cities including New York and London, starting from Sydney in late 2025.
"The A350 and Project Sunrise will make any city just one flight away from Australia. It’s the last frontier and the final fix for the tyranny of distance," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said.
The aircraft will carry 238 passengers across four classes (First, Business, Premium Economy, Economy), fewer than its competitors, with more than 40% of the cabin dedicated to premium seating, he said.
Qantas said the plane's cabin is specially configured for improved comfort on long flights, which could be up to 20 hours long, and includes a "wellbeing zone" in the centre.
There will be six spacious first-class suites, featuring a privacy door, separate bed and lounge chair, wardrobe and a 32” inflight entertainment screen.
Fifty two business-class suites will all have direct aisle access. Further back, there will be 40 premium economy seats at 40” pitch and 140 economy seats at 33” pitch.
The wellbeing zone will have a self-serve snack station and digital displays providing movement and stretching recommendations.
