Qantas‘ world-first planes that will take people from Sydney to London nonstop from next year have raised a lot of questions.
People want to know how much it will cost, how they will prevent boredom and stiffness on a 22-hour flight, what Economy class will look like, and how staff will operate during the nearly day-long shift.
The airline has released a video explaining where the 14 crew members can hide from passengers and get some sleep.
On some planes, the crew rest area would just be a row of seats with a privacy curtain.
But the Airbus A350-1000ULR has a secret compartment next to the galley where the crew prepare meals for passengers.
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Inside this small room, there is a chair and a TV where staff can relax.
There is also a tray table for the crew to eat, a mirror, a phone so the crew are contactable, and a mobile phone charging port.
However, it doesn’t stop there.
There is a seat for the crew to relax on, as well as a fully flat bed that can be found up a ladder inside the room.
(Qantas)
There is another hidden room above this that contains a fully flat bed, so each crew member can stretch out and get some proper shut-eye.
There is also a separate rest area for the four pilots, which has two seats and two bunk beds.
These areas are crucial in keeping the pilots and flight attendants alert during the gruelling flight.
You can see how the crew rest areas fit into the new type of plane.
(Qantas)
It will be the longest plane journey in the world when it takes to the skies in October next year, and the crew will need to be specially trained to get on board.
Qantas is now in the process of up-skilling 20 per cent of its current long-haul workforce, so they’re ready for Project Sunrise’s launch date.
Pilots must complete up to 40 hours of ground and simulator training, while cabin crew will do six days of structured ground training to help them manage fatigue.
While it might look small, it will give each crew member a chance to nod off or relax on their break.
(Qantas)Inside Project Sunrise’s wellness cabin
The aircraft has a wellness zone accessible to all passengers between the Economy and Premium Economy Cabins.
There will be TV screens in this section that will guide passengers through body movements to help combat the stiffness often associated with long-haul flights.
There will also be a selection of free refreshments that customers can help themselves to.
This section means there will be fewer seats on the plane than normal.
There are only 238 seats on the A350-1000ULR, compared to 485 seats found on an A380 or the 297 seats on an A330.
How much will Project Sunrise cost?
The first flights for the route will go on sale in February 2027, and the planes will officially take to the skies in October.
However, like other long-haul routes launched – Perth to London, Rome or Paris or Melbourne to Dallas – flights will cost a bit more than if you were planning a stopover or two.
Cam Wallace, Qantas International CEO, previously told Executive Traveller that he expected these flights would have a 20 per cent premium.
Economy and First on the new aircraft
(Supplied)
The airline is confident that people will pay these prices, as its research has shown a strong appetite for nonstop routes.
“Every year, millions of people travel between Australia and the United Kingdom to visit family, for holidays or for business, and from 2027, the journey will become more comfortable, quicker and easier,” Don Farrell, Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator, said.
“This is a significant milestone for aviation and tourism in both Australia and the UK and a demonstration of the strong friendship between our two nations.
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