Qantas today announced a major aircraft order, confirming the highly anticipated "Sunrise Programme". Airbus' 52 orders, plus 94 purchase rights, are among the largest in the history of Australia's state-owned airlines.
Beginning in late 2025, Project Sunrise will begin flying, initially from Sydney to New York, London and other European destinations. In a statement, the company's chief executive, Alan Joyce, said the flights "finally solved the brutal distance problem," shortening journey times by 3-4 hours, making them the world's longest commercial flights.
Sunrise plans to use the A350-1000 aircraft, starting at $356 million, and will use Rolls-Royce's Trent XWB-97 engine, which is 25% more fuel efficient than the previous generation aircraft.
The new a350 will carry 238 passengers in four classes (First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class), with more than 40% of the cabins dedicated to Premium seats. Although compared to Qantas' competitors, this low-density aircraft is unusual. Qantas' competitors typically accommodate 300 passengers on the same plane, but the flight time will exceed 20 hours. The airline does not lose the advantage of low density because of potentially expensive tickets and full flights.
With the decline of the A380 and large four-engine aircraft and their spacious first class, the addition of first class suites in the A350 will be popular with premium travelers.
Each suite has an impressive configuration with stylish wooden privacy walls and closed doors. The bed and seat are separated and passengers can choose their rest time on extra long flights. The huge 32-inch IFE screen extends from wall to wall, while 3-4 windows will be obscured by an expansive closed shutter. A private wardrobe and dedicated shoe cabinet will be a welcome addition.
Seating will be controlled by an iPad-style center console, storage space will be plentiful, and power outlets (including the very important USB-C) will be plentiful. For the first time, passengers can customize the temperature and humidity levels in their suites.
Other seats have yet to be announced, but it is certain that the seats in Business Class will be similar to those on the existing aircraft of the Airbus A330, refurbished A380 and B787 Dreamliner.
The "Healthy Zone" will also be a popular addition on Sunrise Program flights. In trials earlier in 2019, using the B787 aircraft, sticking to the theme of exercise, combined with research from the University of Sydney, suggested that wellness would be an important barrier for Qantas.
There will be a health-conscious refreshment station in the area, as well as a large area for exercise through instructional videos.