Qantas reveals Project Sunrise cabins, with beds and recliners in private suites

The new suites underwent months of testing to map peak pressure points, Qantas said.

It said that led to it choosing a multi-layer memory foam mattress engineered for optimal pressure distribution.

“Lighting in each suite can be programmed to support a customer’s circadian rhythm,” Qantas said.

“Supporting both privacy and service, a digital exterior suite panel will enable customers to discreetly communicate with crew throughout the flight.”

Each suite featured a flat bed 80 inches (2.03m) long.

The suites will have 1.4m-high walls, sliding doors, full-length wardrobes and multiple personal storage areas.

The aircraft will also have 52 business class suites in a 1-2-1 configuration and 40 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout.

Business class seats are cushioned leather ottomans.

The remaining 140 seats will be in economy, with a 3-3-3 configuration.

In total, cabins will have 238 seats, the lowest seat count of any A350-1000 in service.

That’s largely a reflection of how the huge amount of fuel required for the long journey impacts route economics, and how the ULH route is expected to generate more demand for premium seats than shorter journeys do.

An impression of the Project Sunrise first class suite. The A350-1000ULR on its first flight in Toulouse in early June.A Qantas investor presentaton slide outlining the new routes and proposed redeployments for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The Project Sunrise aircraft will have 52 business class suites in a 1-2-1 configuration.The expected layout of the new aircraft.

A typical A350-1000 had fuel capacity of 168,300 litres and seats for up to 480 people.

Project Sunrise aircraft would have a re-engineered fuel system, an additional 20,000-litre rear fuel tank and a new galley air cooling system.

Qantas said three aircraft were needed to run a daily non-stop service on either route.

And it has said the ULH flights should give it an advantage by connecting large markets with an unrivalled point-to-point premium offering.

There will be 12 aircraft in the Project Sunrise fleet.

The airline has said more than 360 Qantas pilots and 1200 cabin crew will be trained to operate the fleet.

Sydney-London flights will start in October 2027, with tickets on sale from February.

The ULH Airbus will have a range of about 17,900km and a “wellbeing zone” with self-service snack station.

The Airbus A350-1000ULR completed its maiden test flight on June 2 from Toulouse, France, flying for three hours and 43 minutes.

Late last month, the airline said it would get its first A350-1000ULR in April 2027, a few months later than previously expected.

Supply chain issues were cited for the delay.

Qantas ordered 12 of the aircraft in May 2022.

Flights will take about 19-22 hours.

Airbus has said the A350-1000ULR would have the New Generation Air Chiller, which marked a shift from centralised refrigeration systems to a localised system providing cooling individually to each galley.

“One day soon, sporting Qantas colours, the aircraft will link Sydney with London and New York,” Airbus added.

But for the next few months, testing would continue.

John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation. He previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.

Stay ahead with the latest market moves, corporate updates, and economic insights by subscribing to our Business newsletter – your essential weekly round-up of all the business news you need.