Qantas, the Australian airline company, has revealed the First and Business class cabins of its new Airbus A350 fleet. The cabins have been designed with ultra-long-haul travel in mind, and they will be used for non-stop flights from Australia to New York and London starting in late 2025. Qantas is focusing on providing passengers with more space and comfort, and this has been made possible by configuring the A350s to seat 238 passengers, compared to the 300-plus seat layout of other carriers.
The luxurious First suite has a fixed extra-wide bed, separate lounge recliner, personal wardrobe, dining table for two, and a 32” ultra-high definition TV. On the other hand, the Next Generation Business suite will have sliding doors for added privacy, and direct aisle access. Business features include a two-meter flat bed, cushioned leather ottoman, large mirror, and 18” ultra-high definition touch screen TV. The suites will also offer multiple charging options, including wireless induction charging.
To promote well-being and comfort, every possible opportunity has been seized upon in the First and Business suites, according to Australian designer David Caon. Qantas has worked with Airbus and Caon Design, as well as a multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, to create cabins that will improve inflight comfort, convenience, health and well-being, and help minimize jetlag. The cabins feature a tailored lighting program that will influence mood and sleep patterns.
Qantas First A350
In addition, the Qantas A350 will offer fast and free high-speed Wi-Fi with partner Viasat following the completion of key satellite launches covering the Qantas international network. It will also feature Bluetooth connectivity allowing all customers to connect their own Bluetooth-enabled headset to the in-flight entertainment system.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the investment in the new A350 aircraft and approach to cabin design continues Qantas’ 100-year history of aviation ‘firsts’. “We’re bringing everything we’ve learned, both technically and in terms of passenger comfort, to Project Sunrise flying,” said Mr Joyce. “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.”
The Qantas A350 will have six First suites in a 1-1-1 configuration and 52 Business Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. It will also feature a Wellbeing Zone for all passengers, which will be unveiled alongside the Premium Economy and Economy cabins in the coming months.
Written by: Stephen Peters
