A NEW WAY to Fly
Qantas has unveiled prototypes of the First and Business cabins on the aircraft that will fly passengers non-stop from Australia to New York and London from late 2025.
Designed with ultra-long haul travel in mind, the Australian carrier’s flagship cabins are the first to be developed from the ground up by Australian industrial design studio Caon Design and a multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, including sleep scientists.
Key to the cabin design has been giving passengers more space, made possible by Qantas’ decision to configure its 12 Airbus A350s to seat 238 passengers compared to the 300-plus seat layout specified by other carriers.
The spacious First suite has a range of features to make customers feel like they are in a mini boutique hotel room, complete with an extra-wide fixed bed, separate recliner chair, personal wardrobe, dining table for two and a 32-inch ultra-high definition TV.
Every Business suite will have direct aisle access for ease of movement around the cabin, a two metre flat bed, generous storage (including a large mirror), a cushioned leather ottoman, an 18-inch ultra-high definition touch screen TV, a large dining table and feature lighting. Qantas is also incorporating sliding doors into the suite for privacy. First and Business will additionally offer multiple personal device charging options including wireless induction charging.
The Qantas A350 will also offer fast and free high-speed Wi-Fi with partner Viasat following completion of key satellite launches covering the Qantas international network, while Bluetooth connectivity will enable all customers to connect their own Bluetooth-enabled headset to the in-flight entertainment system.
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, including those in the yet-to-bereleased premium economy and economy cabins. qantas.com — NICK WALTON