Qantas Introduces Wellbeing Zone on Ultra-Long-Haul Flights

On Qantas aircraft travelling on direct ultra-long-haul routes from Sydney to London and New York, a designated wellbeing zone will be available.

The Australian airline claims to be the first in the world to provide a specially designed space with sculpted wall panels and integrated stretch handles, a guided on-screen fitness programme, a hydration station, and a variety of snacks. On the specially constructed Airbus A350s that will be used on the Project Sunrise routes starting in late 2025, the wellbeing zone will be situated between the premium economy and economy cabins.

The A350s will reduce point-to-point travel time by more than three hours compared to routes with one stop, carrying 238 passengers for up to 22 hours non-stop from Australia to nearly any location in the world.

The ergonomic leg and foot rest systems, personal storage choices, and the largest seat pitches of any Qantas aircraft are features of the 40-seat premium economy cabin and the 140-seat economy cabin that were unveiled today.

Multiple fast USB charging outlets will be available in each seat across all four cabins, and each premium seat will additionally include integrated wireless charging. Fast and free wi-fi will also be available on the A350 fleet, and all cabins will have Bluetooth connectivity so that guests may pair their own headsets with the individual in-flight entertainment screens.

Six spacious, enclosed First Suites with a 32-inch 4k ultra-high definition touch screen TV and a two-person dining table will be available on the aircraft. These suites will be designed to seem like little boutique hotels. The 52 Business Suites will have sliding doors for more privacy, a lay-flat bed, a huge dining table, custom lighting, and an 18-inch 4K UHD touch screen TV.

Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce said: “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.

“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.

“Reducing the number of seats onboard our A350 to 238 compared to the 300-plus seat layout of other carriers means we not only maximise aircraft performance across long distances, we give our passengers more space and comfort.

“Fewer seats translate to more space for each customer and a dedicated wellbeing zone for travellers 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.”

The A350 interior design was influenced by scientific research that Qantas provided on minimising jet lag and enhancing sleep and general welfare before, during, and after extreme long-haul flights.

During long-haul flights, the study revealed that various mealtimes, lighting and sleep cycles, and specific ingredients like chocolate and chilli all contribute to increased traveller wellbeing, with mobility and exercise playing a crucial role.

Australian architect David Caon collaborated closely with seat producers and incorporated the research considerations into the general architecture of the cabin.

He said: “The premium economy cabin has been redesigned from the ground up with a focus on ergonomics, entertainment and privacy.

“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 travellers also have an OLED 13-inch 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.

“In both the premium economy cabin and economy cabins, we have redesigned every element of the seats to provide better features as well as a fresh look across the entire aircraft to create a sense of light and calm.”