WELLBEING ZONE - Qantas Airways Ltd and Diehl Aviation Cooperation
Bridging long distances has always been our collective dream. In 1947 Qantas’ Kangaroo route would connect London to Sydney, flying 29 passengers over 5 days and taking 7 stops. Now, Qantas plans to do the same with up to 238 passengers non-stop in less than a day.
Qantas’ Project Sunrise direct flights from Sydney to London and New York will push the defining boundaries of ultra long flying, setting new industry standards for years to come. To achieve success, many challenges regarding passenger comfort and health needed to be resolved. Enter the Wellbeing Zone, a new, innovative area, introducing many industry firsts, such as real glass doors, circadian rhythm optimized lighting, science-based wellbeing products and more.
Designed to cope with the unique physical and physiological needs of passengers, the Wellbeing Zone has been scientifically designed in collaboration with University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre and Caon Design to provide nourishment, hydration and an area for physical movement – not just for premium class passengers, but for everyone onboard the aircraft.
Sunrise will not just break records – it will also redefine what democratic ultra long-haul comfort means.
Benefits
Ultra long flights present numerous unique challenges not solved on today’s flights. Trial flights were performed and academic research was conducted by Qantas and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to define areas needing special attention:
- Hydration is critical on long haul flights – always-on options are necessary to cater for different sleep / wake cycles of passengers
- Not everyone has the same needs when it comes to sustenance –having a variety of snacks readily available through self service ensures passenger nourishment throughout the flight
- Sitting in a seat for up to 22 hours without moving is out of the question – space for stretching, movement and exercise is paramount
- Jetlag on a 11-hour time difference is critical and needs to be addressed scientifically
- Sustainability, hygiene and low weight is critical when flying for up to 22 hours