Key facts
- Qantas is introducing new business class seats on its Airbus A350 jets.
- The new seats will feature sliding privacy panels, a first for Qantas business class.
- The in-flight entertainment screen has been expanded to 18 inches.
- Memory-foam mattresses will be offered to enhance comfort on long flights.
- A 'Wellbeing Zone' with refreshments and guided-stretch videos will be available to all passengers.
- The new cabins are expected to launch on the Sydney to London route in October 2027 and Sydney to New York in mid-2028.
Qantas is set to launch a new business class cabin on its modified Airbus A350 jets, designed to enhance passenger experience on what will be the world's longest flights. These routes, including New York to Sydney and Sydney to London, are part of Qantas' 'Project Sunrise' initiative aimed at offering more direct travel options from Australia.
The new cabins will feature refreshed first, business, premium economy, and economy classes, with a significant emphasis on premium seating. The business class seats will include retractable privacy doors, expanded 18-inch in-flight entertainment screens, and memory-foam mattresses for added comfort on flights potentially lasting up to 22 hours.
Qantas collaborated with the Charles Perkins Centre, a research institute at the University of Sydney, to develop cabin features that scientifically reduce jet lag. This includes a 'Wellbeing Zone' accessible to all passengers, offering refreshments and guided-stretch videos.
The airline anticipates that these new routes, covering approximately 10,000 miles, will command a premium price due to factors such as lower aircraft capacity, increased operational costs, and the exclusivity of nonstop service. Current one-stop business-class tickets from New York to Sydney can cost up to $13,000 round-trip.