Qantas unveils luxury A350 cabins for world’s longest flights in 2027

Traveling between New York and Australia is set to become a more luxurious experience.

Qantas is enhancing its long-haul offerings as part of its “Project Sunrise” initiative. This includes the introduction of customized Airbus A350 aircraft featuring upgraded luxury cabins.

The revamped cabins will cover first, business, premium economy, and regular economy classes, incorporating nearly 100 premium seats. This move aligns with the trend of airlines investing more in premium seating as customers show a willingness to pay for enhanced travel experiences.

During a New York City event, a preview of the new business-class seats was unveiled. Qantas plans to introduce these cabins on routes from Sydney to London in October 2027 and subsequently from Sydney to New York by mid-2028.

These flights, spanning approximately 10,000 miles, will become the world’s longest nonstop routes, taking up to 22 hours and surpassing Singapore Airlines’ current record between Singapore and New York.

Ticket prices are expected to be higher, reflecting the aircraft’s limited capacity, increased fuel and crew costs, and the exclusivity of these routes. Current one-stop business-class flights from New York to Sydney, via Auckland, can cost up to $13,000 round-trip in mid-November.

Here’s a look at some of the standout features of Qantas’ new A350 business class:

Sliding doors

Qantas is introducing sliding privacy panels in its business class, a first for the airline. The nearly 4-foot-high retractable doors create a private suite measuring 3.5 feet wide. This feature is part of a broader trend among airlines to capitalize on premium offerings. Future Boeing 787s and Airbus A321XLRs from Qantas will also include this feature.

Upgraded technology

New seats are equipped with power outlets, USB-A and C charging ports, and wireless charging capabilities. The in-flight entertainment screen has been expanded to 18 inches, which is 2 inches larger than those on Qantas’ A380s and 787s.

Memory-foam mattresses and fancy amenity kits

Michelle Luk, Qantas’ senior manager of product and service strategy, showcased a sample mattress that adds an extra layer over the lie-flat seat. “We’re still undergoing a lot of customer trials, but so far the feedback has been incredibly positive,” she told Business Insider, adding, “I think that’s been the biggest hit for sure.”

The business class amenity kit includes Grown Alchemist creams, lip balm, pajamas, a toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, earplugs, headphones, and an eye mask.

Science-backed designs to reduce jetlag

Qantas collaborated with the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney to research the effects of long-haul flights on passengers. Volunteers on Project Sunrise test flights wore heart-rate and sleep sensors to help develop cabin features that mitigate jet lag.

A key health-focused innovation is the “Wellbeing Zone,” an area offering refreshments, guided-stretch videos, and space to move around. Positioned between premium economy and economy, it will be accessible to all passengers.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson told Business Insider that these changes have shown “statistically significant” effects in reducing jet lag. “The way we’ve designed the lighting, the Wellbeing Zones, the way we design the food, is all around making sure that when you do arrive after the long flight, you feel as fresh as you possibly can,” Hudson explained.