The promise of new Project Sunrise flights is now a reality!
After a six-year development timeline and the COVID-19 Pandemic, this writer began to think Project Sunrise might be abandoned. But it’s time for me to eat my words and cheer the kangaroo! Qantas has unveiled its Airbus A350-1000 cabin that boosts the passenger experience with impressive design and a Wellbeing Zone.
The airline plans to launch ultra-long-haul flights in late 2025 and has scheduled delivery of twelve new Airbus A350-1000s.
Qantas A350 Seat Map: Inside the Project Sunrise Cabins
Qantas has revealed new details of the Airbus A350-1000ULR cabins designed for its Project Sunrise flights, including extra-legroom Economy Plus seating, private First and Business suites, and a dedicated space for passengers to stretch during flights lasting up to 22 hours.
The Australian airline plans to launch nonstop Sydney–London services in October 2027, followed by Sydney–New York in mid-2028. Its specially configured A350s will carry just 238 passengers, considerably fewer than conventional A350-1000 aircraft.
According to Qantas’s June 2026 cabin announcement, the latest features include 42 Economy Plus seats with 34 inches of pitch, upgraded inflight entertainment and lighting designed around passengers’ sleep and waking patterns.
Qantas A350 seat map and cabin configuration
Qantas has divided its A350-1000ULR into four travel classes, with Economy Plus available as an additional seating option within Economy.
| Cabin | Seats | Layout |
|---|---|---|
| First | 6 | 1-1-1 |
| Business | 52 | 1-2-1 |
| Premium Economy | 40 | 2-4-2 |
| Economy, including Economy Plus | 140 | 3-3-3 |
| Total | 238 |
The Economy cabin includes 42 Economy Plus seats positioned towards the front.
Qantas says its A350 will have the lowest seat density of any A350 worldwide. More than 40% of seats are allocated to First, Business and Premium Economy.
The cabin layout also includes a dedicated Wellbeing Zone between Premium Economy and Economy.
What are the best Economy seats on the Qantas A350?
Passengers choosing Economy on Project Sunrise flights will have two published seating options: standard Economy and Economy Plus.
Economy Plus offers 34 inches of pitch across 42 seats at the front of the cabin. Passengers selecting these seats will also receive priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space.
Qantas says most standard Economy seats will offer 33 inches of pitch, although it has not published a final row-by-row seating guide.
The airline says more than 70% of seats across the aircraft will offer at least 33 inches of pitch.
For travellers spending up to 22 hours aboard, additional legroom could influence seat selection. However, passengers will need to check the booking seat map once the flights become available.
The new Economy seats will feature custom-designed memory foam cushioning, wool-blend upholstery and 13.3-inch entertainment screens.
Is Qantas Economy Plus worth choosing?
Economy Plus offers additional legroom compared with most standard Economy seats, but it is not a separate travel class.
Passengers will not receive the wider seats, additional recline or enhanced meal service associated with Premium Economy.
According to Qantas’s published A350 specifications, Platinum One and Platinum frequent flyers will be eligible for complimentary Economy Plus selection when booking. Gold members can select these seats free of charge from 24 hours before departure, subject to availability.
For other passengers, the value will depend on the seat-selection charge, which Qantas has not yet confirmed for Project Sunrise services.
Inside Qantas A350 Premium Economy
Qantas has designed its 40-seat Premium Economy cabin specifically for ultra-long-haul flying.
Arranged in a 2-4-2 layout, the seats feature adjustable winged headrests, leg and calf rests, and a memory foam cushioning system developed through ergonomic testing.
The seats offer greater personal space than Economy, with pairs beside the windows that may appeal to couples.
Qantas says the cabin will have the most generous Premium Economy seat pitch in its fleet.
The new design also incorporates dedicated storage for personal belongings and travel accessories.
Qantas A350 Business Class: 52 private suites
Business Class will feature 52 suites in a 1-2-1 arrangement, giving every passenger direct aisle access.
Each suite will have a sliding privacy door, an 80-inch fully flat bed, a dining and work surface, and additional storage.
Adjustable dividers between the centre seats will allow passengers travelling together to share the space or maintain privacy.
Qantas is also developing flexible meal schedules informed by research into sleep and circadian rhythms.
Qantas A350 First Class: Six private suites
The aircraft will have just six First Class suites, arranged in a 1-1-1 configuration.
Each enclosed suite will feature a separate reclining armchair and an 80-inch flat bed, along with a full-length wardrobe, personal storage and space for dining or working.
Qantas has refined the mattress design through pressure-mapping tests, while programmable lighting will allow passengers to adjust their personal environment.
The suites will also have digital exterior panels allowing passengers to communicate discreetly with cabin crew.
What is the Qantas A350 Wellbeing Zone?
One of the aircraft’s most distinctive features is a dedicated Wellbeing Zone between Premium Economy and Economy.
Designed by Caon Design Office, it will be accessible to passengers across all cabins.
The space will include stretch handles, guided exercise programmes, a hydration station and refreshments.
Qantas developed the concept with researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre as part of its work on passenger wellbeing during exceptionally long flights.
The zone is intended to encourage movement and hydration, although it cannot eliminate the health effects associated with prolonged sitting or long-distance travel.
Entertainment, Wi-Fi and lighting
Qantas is introducing a new inflight entertainment system that integrates with cabin lighting and meal schedules.
An onboard journey planner will show passengers when meals, rest periods and lighting changes are expected.
The system will support 15 languages, remember viewing history and allow passengers to watch the same film together on separate screens.
Bluetooth audio and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi are planned across all cabins.
The A350 will also feature 12 lighting scenes, including settings designed around sleep and waking patterns.
When will Qantas Project Sunrise flights begin?
Qantas has confirmed the launch timetable for its first two Project Sunrise routes:
| Route | Planned launch | Tickets on sale |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney–London | October 2027 | February 2027 |
| Sydney–New York | Mid-2028 | August 2027 |
According to Qantas’s current Project Sunrise timetable, the airline plans to operate daily nonstop Sydney–London services from October 2027. Sydney–New York flights will follow in mid-2028.
The specially modified A350-1000ULR includes an additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank to support flights lasting up to 22 hours.
The first aircraft completed its maiden test flight in June 2026, beginning a programme of testing and certification. Qantas said the flight lasted three hours and 43 minutes and tested the aircraft’s primary systems, including its specialised fuel system.
The airline expects the first aircraft, named Vega, to be delivered in April 2027.
Qantas says the nonstop services could reduce total journey times by up to four hours compared with existing one-stop connections.
The announced launch dates remain subject to aircraft certification, regulatory approvals and final operational arrangements.
What to expect onboard Qantas new A350?
- Six luxurious First Suites, an exclusive offering within the first-class cabins. Immerse yourself in a world of extraordinary comfort. On a spacious 2-meter flat bed you can indulge in a restful slumber. Enjoy private dining at a beautifully arranged table for two, complemented by delectable cuisine and impeccable service. The suite also features a cozy recliner chair for ultimate relaxation. A 32″ 4K ultra-high definition touchscreen TV will keep you entertained throughout your journey. Experience the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication with our extraordinary First Suites.
- 52 Business Suites, offering a luxurious business-class experience. Sliding doors enhance privacy. Passengers flying in Qantas’ business class on the exquisite Qantas Airbus A350 can indulge in a spacious lay-flat bed. Plus, a generously sized dining table, custom lighting, and a cutting-edge 18″ 4k ultra-high definition touch screen TV.
40 Premium Economy seats in the Premium Economy cabin with a 13.3” entertainment touchscreen with Bluetooth audio connectivity, two fast-charging USB-C outlets, dedicated amenity and personal storage pockets, a 40” pitch, calf rest which allows for full leg cradling and a winged, adjustable privacy headrest.
140 economy class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration offer the most generous seat pitches of any Qantas aircraft. Plus, ergonomic leg and foot rest systems and personal storage options.
See the video: Australian flag carrier Qantas unveils redesigned Airbus A350 cabins, optimally designed for long-haul flights.
Rewriting the Rules of Long-Haul Air Travel
Qantas is rewriting the rules of long-haul air travel. The airline unveiled the cutting-edge design of its specially outfitted Airbus A350. Direct flights from Sydney to New York and London will start in late 2025. Qantas is conquering the final frontier of extended air travel.
Qantas Project Sunrise: Design for the Long-Haul
Years in the making, this innovative Airbus A350 cabin promises an unmatched inflight experience for 238 passengers. Flying up to 22 hours nonstop from Australia, the Qantas A350 connects customers to nearly any destination globally. Furthermore, the new Project Sunrise flights will reduce point-to-point travel time by up to four hours compared to one-stop routes.
Wellbeing Zone and Upgraded Passenger Comfort
The airline goes beyond offering a luxurious First and Business class experience. Qantas raises the bar for passenger comfort in its Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Seats offer generous pitch, ergonomic leg and footrest systems, and plentiful personal storage options. In this way, Qantas ensures a premium experience for all passengers.
However, what sets the Qantas A350 apart from other carriers is its dedicated Wellbeing Zone. Located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, this space is unique. It has sculpted wall panels, integrated stretch handles, and a guided on-screen exercise program. After a stretch, passengers can enjoy beverages at the hydration station and an array of refreshments. This world-first places Qantas at the forefront of passenger well-being in air travel.
A Holistic Approach to Passenger Comfort
While the Airbus A350 will have a high percentage of premium first-class and business-class seats, everyone benefits. Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce noted most customers will travel in Premium Economy and Economy. Maximizing comfort and well-being across all cabins was a priority for the airlines.
“[This meant] reducing the number of seats onboard our A350 to 238 compared to the 300-plus seat layout of other carriers gives our passengers more space and comfort,” Joyce explained.
Why Qantas’ ‘fewer seats’ strategy could be a winner
This is also a good revenue-building strategy. Qantas optimizes the potential earnings of the cabin layout based on booking trends. You can learn more about that in my special report for Skift here.
A less-dense cabin is a good cost and weight-saving strategy. It helps to optimize aircraft performance, staffing requirements, and fuel consumption on ultra-long-haul routes.
Smart Design Thinking for Plane Better Flights
“Fewer seats translate to more space for each customer and a dedicated Wellbeing Zone for travelers to stretch, help themselves to a snack, and spend time out of their seat. We are the only airline in the world that will have a bespoke designed onboard stretch and movement space.”
—Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce
Qantas has ensured its fleet’s most generous seat pitches in the Airbus A350. That will be welcomed by long-haul travelers flying in the back half of the plane.
“We have spent just as much time on the second half of the aircraft as we did the front; in fact, we started studies on the Wellbeing Zone before any other area of the A350,” Joyce said. “The new Project Sunrise flights give us the opportunity to re-think long-haul travel in its entirety, from aircraft cabin design to what ingredients we include on the inflight menu.”
Inside the new Qantas Airbus A350 Wellbeing Zone
The A350 will feature Qantas’ first inflight Wellbeing Zone, located between Economy and Premium Economy cabins. The Wellbeing Zone gives every passenger a space to stretch. Specially curated guided movements are shown via onboard monitors. Passengers can also help themselves to a selection of refreshments.
Superior In-flight Tech Features
The aircraft’s technical capabilities are just as impressive. Every seat features multiple fast USB-C charging ports, and premium first and business-class seats boast integrated wireless charging.
Qantas also offers free and fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity across all cabins. Passengers can seamlessly connect their personal devices to the individual inflight entertainment screen. This ensures a thoroughly modern and connected journey.
The Science Backing the Design of Qantas’ A350 Aircraft
This pioneering redesign was based on scientific research on jet lag. The aim was to find ways to improve sleep and overall well-being during ultra-long-haul flights.
Qantas’ World’s First Research to Reduce JetLag
Research by the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre during a test flight for Qantas’ Project Sunrise proved the positive effects on travelers’ health.
The study considered using different light and sleep patterns and specific meal times for the night. A further finding was the use and consumption of foods such as chili and chocolate benefit well-being on long-distance travel. Qantas will use these insights in the design of their inflight menu. The study also found that physical activities are essential to promote optimum well-being, which led to the development of the A350-1000s Wellness Zone.
Collaboration with Australian Designer David Caon
Collaborating with Australian designer David Caon, every detail of the aircraft cabin design has been painstakingly considered, from fabric selection to an entirely new Premium Economy seat exclusive to Qantas.
With a focus on ergonomics, entertainment, and privacy, the redesigned Premium Economy and Economy cabins are set to redefine passenger comfort and in-flight experience.
“The Premium Economy cabin has been redesigned from the ground up with a focus on ergonomics, entertainment, and privacy,” Caon said. “The new headrest wings are the biggest visible difference and will provide passengers with both additional support and a sense of privacy without isolating them from travel companions. An upholstered ergonomic foot and leg rest system allows the body to be cradled in recline to better help passengers sleep.”
“Economy travelers also have an OLED 13” TV screen, foot net, and convenient storage space within arms’ reach to store glasses and personal items. The team has spent extensive time testing ergonomics, lumbar support, and breathability of the seat fabrics in the new Economy seat, which will have 33 inches of legroom,” Caon continued.
“In both the Premium Economy cabin and Economy cabins, we have redesigned every element of the seats to provide better features and a fresh look across the entire aircraft to create a sense of light and calm,” Caon concluded.
Qantas: A Trailblazer in Long-haul Air Travel
In this ambitious endeavor, Qantas is a trailblazer in the aviation industry. The airline paves the way for future innovations in ultra-long-haul flights. The comprehensive redesign of the Airbus A350-1000s reflects Qantas’s commitment to delivering unparalleled service and passenger experience in the sky.
Just the Facts
Qantas’ A350-1000s cabin will fly 238 passengers for up to 22 hours nonstop, from Australia to almost anywhere in the world.
Work on Qantas’ new A350-1000s cabin began in 2019 and took tens of thousands of hours to create.
All seats in all four cabins will feature multiple fast USB-C charging ports.
Seats in first class and business class will also have integrated wireless charging.
All passengers get fast and free WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity to connect their personal headsets to the inflight entertainment screen.
New Qantas A350 First-class suite features:
USB-A and C, AC and wireless charging outlets 2 Touchscreen suite controller
An enclosed suite with 57” (1.4m) high walls and a sliding door
Full-length wardrobe and multiple personal storage areas
32” entertainment touchscreen with Bluetooth audio connectivity (14” larger than our A380)
Flexible work, seating and dining space for two
80” (2m) long flat separate bed
Adjustable bed backrest for breakfast in bed
Customizable LED lighting
Separate 22” wide reclining armchair
50% more suite space compared to the A380 suites
Six large enclosed First Suites on the new Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000.
New Qantas A350 Business class cabins feature:
18” entertainment touchscreen with Bluetooth audio connectivity (2” larger than A380s and B787)
Cushioned leather ottoman that lifts for increased storage access
Sliding door into 42” wide suite with 47” high privacy wall
Architectural feature light
Personal storage compartment with mirror
USB-A and C, AC and wireless charging outlets 7 Additional cocktail and work surface
80” (2m) long and 25” wide flat bed (1” longer than A380 First flat bed)
Generous 25” wide seat with lumbar support (1” wider than our A380 Business seats)
Touchscreen suite controller
Separate upholstered glove box
52 Business Suites in the business-class cabin.
New Qantas A350 Premium Economy cabins feature:
13.3” entertainment touchscreen with Bluetooth audio connectivity
Three dedicated amenity and personal storage pockets
Qantas’ most spacious seat pitch at 40”
Calf rest which allows for full leg cradling
Two fast-charging USB-C outlets for every passenger
8” winged privacy headrest that adjusts for maximum comfort
40 Premium Economy seats in the Premium Economy cabin
New Qantas Economy seats feature:
spacious seat pitch at 33”
Six-way adjustable headrest
Multi-use seatback table
Two fast-charging USB-C outlets for every passenger
13.3” entertainment touchscreen with Bluetooth audio connectivity
Extra shelf for personal devices
140 economy class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.
The Wellbeing Zone located between the Premium Economy and Economy will feature sculpted wall panels and integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise program, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.
Direct flights from Sydney to New York and London are scheduled to start in late 2025
Updated 10 October 2026 with revised Project Sunrise launch dates, Economy Plus details and the latest A350 cabin specifications.
