We now know what the First and Business cabins of Qantas’ Airbus A350 fleet for Project Sunrise will look like. The airline has unveiled prototypes of the two cabins that will carry premium paying passengers on ultra-long-haul flights from Australia to New York and London.
A virtual reality fly through of the aircraft cabins posted by Qantas on Twitter promises the 18–20 hours spent inside these flights to be some of the most comfortable and luxurious the airline will offer.
First suites
Qantas has gone the extra mile for its First suites by not going for a traditional seat that turns into a bed, but a separate reclining lounge chair placed next to an extra-wide two-meter fixed bed. Expectedly, passengers opting for these suites will pay massive amounts for a premium experience. And Qantas promises to deliver just that.
The six First suites, configured in a 1-1-1 setting, also feature personal wardrobe, dining table for two, and a 32” ultra-high definition TV with Bluetooth connectivity. Naturally, all of this will be offered behind the privacy of a sliding door. The suite also features six separate personal storage areas for items ranging from bathroom slippers to beverage bottles.
The airline has included all the other bells and whistles, including USB-A and C, AC and wireless charging outlets, customizable LED lighting, and an adjustable bed backrest for breakfast in bed. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce commented,
“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.”
Business suites
Behind the First suites will be 52 Business suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each offering full privacy behind sliding doors and maintaining direct aisle access for ease of moving around the cabin.
Its other features include a two-meter flatbed, generous storage (including a large mirror), cushioned leather ottoman, an 18” ultra-high definition touch screen TV, large dining table, and feature lighting.
Like First, the Business cabin offers multiple personal device charging options, including wireless induction charging. The much-awaited Wellbeing Zone for passengers was absent in the latest reveal, but Qantas will unveil it alongside the Premium Economy and Economy cabins in the coming months.
All about comfort
The A350-1000 has a maximum capacity of 480 in a single-class setting and up to 410 in a three-class layout. But Qantas has opted to carry 238 passengers across four classes. The low-seat count has been kept to keep these flights premium heavy, among other reasons, and plenty of thought has gone in over the last few years while designing these plush cabins.
Australian designer David Caon said every possible opportunity has been seized upon to promote well-being and comfort in the First and Business suites and added,
“We began designing this aircraft cabin five years ago, working with Airbus and Qantas to maximise space, as well as creating a tailored lighting program that will influence mood and sleep patterns. Every element has been created for Qantas, from the reading light right down to the fabrics, to ensure that passengers spend their journey in refined comfort.”
Given how good the First and Business suites look, expectations are high for the premium economy and economy sections of these A350s.
What do you think about these First and Business prototypes for Qantas’ ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise flights? Do let us know in the comment section below.
This content was originally published here.
