As Qantas gears up for the launch of Project Sunrise in 2026, the innovation behind this feat has been recognised with a global award.
The ‘Wellbeing Zone’ on Qantas’ specially designed Airbus A350s won the category of ‘Passenger Comfort’ in the 2024 Crystal Cabin Awards. The awards recognise outstanding innovations and technological advancements in the global aviation industry.
In a world-first, Qantas’ purpose-built Wellbeing Zone, created in collaboration with Diehl Aviation and Caon Design, aims to maximise customer comfort, health and wellbeing. This space will play a fundamental role on Qantas’ Project Sunrise flights, with passengers flying non-stop for up to 22 hours from Australia to various destinations across the globe.
Located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, the Wellbeing Zone will feature sculpted wall panels and integrated stretch handles. The zone encompasses a self-serve bar with a hydration station and a range of nutritious refreshments, as well as a digital guided exercise program.
“State of mind and physical wellbeing are equally important for ultra long-haul flying. By creating a separate zone for movement and socialisation in our A350 cabin, we can help customers to feel their best when they arrive at their destination.”
– Phil Capps, Qantas Executive Manager Product and Service
Project Sunrise will take off in 2026. Soon Australians will be able to fly point-to-point to popular destinations like London and New York. Compared to routes with one-stop, the non-stop Project Sunrise flights may reduce travel time by up to three hours.
If you’re looking forward to trying out a Sunrise flight in the next few years. make sure to start saving your Qantas Points now. If you need a boost to your Qantas Points balance, make sure to check our current promotion below or other Qantas cards on offer.
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Also read: Qantas’ Project Sunrise is back on the horizon
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They won an award by having a tiny corner of space to stand, but people gave crap to ryanair for wanting a standing section on their planes?
The irony.
I’m actually continuing to question how attractive economy class would be on these flights.
Most economy class passengers are more price sensitive than flight-duration sensitive. Landing three hours later does not make a massive difference and being able to save some $$ by flying via Asia or the Middle East is something many would consider.
Personally, if I had the choice, I am almost sure I’d prefer to fly Emirates or Singapore, stretch my legs for a couple of hours and have a drink before my connecting flights. The idea of 20 hours in the same position on the same seat (not going to even speculate on the condition of the toilets after 20 hours in the air) just doesn’t do it for me.
Agree; and having done several LHR-SYD flights on QF in economy, the “snack station” towards and at the end of the flight looks like it has gone through said turbulence.
Stuff everywhere, people pigging out on the limited food there on a long haul flight, in full F-I mode. Only the business class cabin looks worse.
Given all the news coverage regarding clear air turbulence recently, I wonder how many people would seriously consider avoiding using something like this. Indeed it’s questionable how safe a concept this is.
So they’ve won an award for something that doesn’t exist yet and won’t for over 2 years?