QANTAS REIMAGINES LONG-HAUL TRAVEL -THE SCIENCE BEHIND PROJECT SUNRISE
Media Release Published on 18th June 2026/Posted 28 JUNE,2026
Qantas has today revealed the next evolution in the cabin design for Project Sunrise, which will launch with the world’s first non-stop services between Sydney and London from October 2027.
The Qantas Airbus A350-1000ULR has been configured with just 238 seats, the lowest seat density of any A350 around the world, giving every customer more space on board. Every element has been designed to help customers arrive at their destination feeling their best, drawing on a decade of research with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre and close collaboration with Caon Design Office and technology partners.
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.
Comments from Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson:
“Project Sunrise has given us the chance to think differently about every aspect of the onboard experience. 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.”
Science at 35,000 feet-INFO-CHART-CLICK BELOW
Sunrise Showcase – Session 6 – Science of Sunrise
Comments from Caon Design Office Founder David Caon:
“Every part of the Project Sunrise cabin has been designed specifically for Qantas. Passenger experience, from comfort levels to wellbeing, drove our process as we carefully considered the cabin environment’s design.
We have spent years developing details, working with engineers and suppliers, developing bespoke materials and lighting, working through ergonomic considerations and collaborating with the Charles Perkins Centre.
The goal has always been for customers to step off these flights feeling refreshed.”
Further customer trials and testing of the new cabin features are underway, ahead of the first Project Sunrise flights taking off in 2027.
Project Sunrise will eventually connect Australia’s east coast with other international destinations, with Sydney-New York confirmed as the next service to follow Sydney-London. Launch timing for these services will be announced next year.
