Project Sunrise: what Qantas passengers can expect on a heroic 22-hour flight

Now that Qantas has finally confirmed London-Heathrow (LHR) as the first destination for its long-awaited Project Sunrise, focus has switched to the onboard experience for passengers undertaking the world’s longest flight.

On June 18, 2026, Qantas delivered an update on the cabin design for its custom-built Airbus A350-1000ULR, including details of what its intrepid customers can expect.

The aircraft has just 238 seats, which according to Qantas is the “lowest seat density of any A350 around the world,” designed that way simply to give travelers more space.

Qantas noted that it has been researching the cabin for a decade, working in collaboration with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre and Caon Design Office along with other technology partners.

Ultimately, Qantas wants its guests to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed, and this overarching objective has guided the design and underlying ethos.

Economy (Qantas)“Across the A350-1000ULR, seating, lighting, dining and wellbeing have been designed to work as one, helping customers rest when they want to, stretch out and arrive feeling refreshed,” Qantas said.

Located between the premium economy and economy cabins is the Wellbeing Zone, which features sculpted wall panels and integrated stretch handles, a guided on-screen movement program and a hydration station.

First class

Within the first-class area, there are six enclosed first suites in a 1-1-1 configuration, each with their own 80-inch flat bed and a separate reclining armchair.

There is also a large flexible work and dining space for one or two people, plus a full-length wardrobe and multiple personal storage areas.

First class (Qantas)Lighting in each suite can be programed to support a customer’s circadian rhythm, and there is a digital exterior suite panel, enabling customers to communicate with crew discreetly throughout the flight.

“The new First suites have undergone months of testing to map peak pressure points, resulting in a multi-layer memory foam mattress engineered for optimal pressure distribution,” Qantas said.

Business class

Onboard each of the 12 A350-1000ULRs there will be 52 business suites, all arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration.

According to Qantas, in a first for the airline, the business suites will feature a sliding door for additional privacy, as well as an adjustable divider between the alternating center seats.

Business class (Qantas)Each suite includes an 80-inch flat bed, a large dining table and work surface, and increased storage options.

“Flexible dining is being planned for Business, letting customers choose to time their meals with scientifically optimized windows, in line with the circadian research that has informed every aspect of the Sunrise cabin design. Luminescent lighting will dim at optimized intervals to ease customers towards sleep,” Qantas added.

Premium economy space

The 40-seat premium economy cabin is arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, with each seat featuring an ergonomic leg and calf rest system for full leg cradling, as well as an 8-inch winged privacy headrest.

Premium economy (Qantas)Passengers will also benefit from dedicated amenities and personal storage pockets, and, Qantas claims, the “most generous seat pitch” of any of its aircraft.

“A custom multi-layer memory foam system, tested across ergonomic modelling, lumbar support and pressure mapping, has been developed specifically for this cabin,” Qantas said.

Economy and economy plus

There are 140 economy seats on the ultra-endurance aircraft, configured 3-3-3, offering “more generous seat pitch overall than any current Qantas aircraft”.

The new economy seat also features a custom-designed multi-layer memory foam system, which has undergone the same testing as premium economy.

The seats feature woven wool upholstery, said to improve breathability and temperature on long-haul journeys.

Economy class (Qantas)The economy plus section will be located at the front of the A350-1000ULR cabin, with seats offering a 34-inch pitch, priority boarding, and priority access to overhead baggage space.

“Project Sunrise has given us the chance to think differently about every aspect of the onboard experience,” Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson said. “Working closely with Charles Perkins Centre over many years, we’ve designed the experience around the science of what the body needs on a long flight, so customers arrive feeling their best. This will be a completely new way to travel, and our customers are going to feel that from the moment they step on board.”

Further customer trials and testing of the new cabin features are currently underway, ahead of the first Project Sunrise flights taking off in 2027.

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