In advance of introducing non-stop flights from the east coast of Australia to New York and London from 2022, Qantas has conducted research to discover what passengers really want on ultra-long haul flights.
In conjunction with Sydney University’s Charles Perkins Centre, Qantas has been conducting focus group research as well as surveying customers as they step off the direct London to Perth services to capture their experience, suggestions and feedback.
CEO Qantas International Alison Webster said the new research is showing increased interest towards physical wellbeing, state of mind and personal time and space.
“The engagement and enthusiasm we’re seeing from this research highlights how passionate our customers are to be a part of the evolution of ultra-long-haul travel.
“Our job now is to determine where the most demand is and create this cabin in a way that makes it both affordable for customers and commercially viable for the airline. Everything is on the table and we are excited about what innovations may come from this research.”
The top five most frequent suggestions from customers for Project Sunrise:
Provide “sense of separation” experiences where passengers can be social but then “zone out” with either virtual reality relaxation zones, audio mindfulness experiences, or through the broader in-flight entertainment.
Spaces to do gentle exercise/stretches, promoting circulation and comfort.
Wireless, noise cancelling headsets
Innovative cabin designs across the entire aircraft, considering both seat and non-seat spaces to focus on a broad range of traveller needs including comfort, sleep, dining, entertainment and state of mind.
An in-flight cafe offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with snacks including dips with vegetable sticks as well as “treat foods”.
The next phase will involve using new research from Charles Perkins Centre and ongoing customer feedback to inspire Qantas Industrial Designer David Caon to create features for the interior cabin, as well as future lounge features further incorporating health and wellness initiatives.
Qantas is expected to make an announcement around Project Sunrise later in 2019, including which aircraft type it would operate, with both the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350 under consideration.
