Qantas Airways Adds World’s First ‘Wellbeing Zone’ To Its All-New Cabin Design

By Alexa Heah, 16 Jun 2023

For the first time, Qantas Airways will be flying passengers from Australia to New York and London on nonstop trips. For this purpose, the company has invested in brand-new aircraft as part of Project Sunrise, which comes with a completely refreshed cabin design.

Within the Airbus A350-1000, major changes have been made to both the premium seats in the front and the economy cabins towards the back, with CEO Alan Joyce remarking that the airliner wanted to maximize “comfort and well-being” across all classes.

First, the firm has decided to reduce the number of seats within the economy cabin as compared to other airlines. Joyce explained that this would help maximize aircraft performance over the long distances the flights are geared up for and give passengers more space and comfort.

Each seat has been “redesigned from the ground up” to offer travelers better ergonomics, entertainment, and privacy. The largest visible difference is the new headrest wings, which will allow flyers additional support and a sense of privacy even when seated next to another person.

Additionally, an upholstered ergonomic foot and leg rest system will allow one’s body to be better positioned when reclined so that it’s easier to fall asleep on a long-haul trip. When passengers are awake, a 13” OLED TV screen is available for hours of entertainment.

One special highlight on the airplane will be the custom-built The Wellness Zone, which will enable premium economy and economy passengers to enjoy a selection of healthy refreshments and stretch out with on-screen exercises on sculpted surfaces and integrated handles.

“The new Project Sunrise flights give us the opportunity to re-think long-haul travel in its entirety, from aircraft cabin design to what ingredients we include on the inflight menu,” summed up Joyce in the press release.

“Fewer seats translate to more space for each customer and a dedicated Wellbeing Zone for travelers to stretch, help themselves to a snack, and spend time out of their seat. We’re the only airline in the world that will have a bespoke designed onboard stretch and movement space.”