Qantas' Project Sunrise: A350-1000s with 40% Premium Seat

Qantas, the Australian flag carrier, has disclosed information regarding the Airbus A350-1000's cabin lighting for Project Sunrise. Science and the hues of Australia's landscape are combined in this endeavour. Reducing jet lag and enhancing passenger well-being are the primary goals of this newly designed lighting. Aside from this, Project Sunrise will use Qantas Airbus A350-1000s, which are presently in production.

Qantas Project Sunrise Cabin Lighting

The Airbus Customer Definition Centre in Hamburg conducted more than 150 hours of testing to produce the final design. On this project, representatives from the Caon Design Office, Airbus, Qantas, and the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney worked together. Hundreds of lighting sequences and patterns were designed and tested in a prototype of an A350 cabin. In 2023, the Charles Perkins Centre published initial research on mitigating the effects of jet lag. These conclusions were drawn from groundbreaking research carried out during Qantas' Project Sunrise test flights.

Circadian rhythm modelling is used in the lighting design. The Charles Perkins Centre recommended the best spectrum irradiances to support wakefulness, sleep, and circadian adaptation. In Hamburg, researchers put these suggestions into practice and tested them, making adjustments for the look and comfort of the eyes. Qantas will customise the lighting sequence to assist passengers in acclimating to their destination time zone before landing. 

12 Types of Lighting

Qantas developed 12 unique lighting scenes for Project Sunrise flights.

• Using blue-enriched, broad-spectrum lighting, the "Awake" scene aids travellers in acclimating to new time zones. Crew can select a milder version according to the cabin atmosphere. 
• With a replication of sunset hues, the "Sunset" scenario shifts from day to night and culminates in a moonlit sky with a lulling cloud effect. By doing this, travellers want to unwind and get ready for bed. 
• With its movement from the front to the back of the cabin, the "Sunrise" tableau imitates an Australian sunrise. Day breaks into the night with great effect. 

The main cabin has lights for both boarding and disembarking. There are specific landing, take-off, taxi, and sleep times scenarios. Then, the Wellbeing Zone creates the illusion of a daylight sky with slow-moving clouds by utilizing mild blue-enriched light. During nighttime, it changes to a scene reminiscent of moonlight with reflections of water ripples. 

Completely adjustable lighting is now available in all six of Qantas' enclosed First Suites. For the length of the trip, passengers are free to select the time zone of their choice. Qantas exhibited their unique lighting designs at the Toulouse Airbus Airspace Customer Showroom. A life-size Project Sunrise Wellbeing Zone model is on display in the showroom. Qantas is set to launch the world's first airline with a dedicated Wellbeing Zone. This section will be between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins. It has integrated stretch grips, sculpted wall panels, and an on-screen workout routine. In this area, travellers can also find a hydration station and a selection of beverages. The Wellbeing Zone design won the Crystal Cabin Awards' "Passenger Comfort" category. This accolade demonstrates Qantas' dedication to enhancing long-haul traveller experiences. 

Executive Remarks

Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, highlights the significance of lighting design for Project Sunrise flights based on science. He emphasizes the need to prioritize client welfare and minimise the impacts of jet lag. Wallace says that the body clock, which directs the testing procedure, is determined by light cycles and brightness. He claims that in addition to meal preparation, movement routines, and specific lighting sequences, the goal is to maximize passenger comfort and reduce jet lag.

According to Australian industrial designer David Caon, the lighting workshops result from a five-year cooperation between Qantas and himself on cabin design. According to Caon, their design was informed by studies conducted by the Charles Perkins Centre on the optimal spectrum irradiance for both wake and sleep. They developed 12 lighting situations, drawing inspiration from modern interior design and Australian landscapes, to assist travellers in acclimating to their new time zones and enhancing their in-flight experience. According to Caon, the customized lighting sequence is among the last elements of the Project Sunrise A350 cabins.

Airbus Commercial Aircraft's SVP and Global Head of Marketing, Joost van der Heijden, highlights the qualities of the A350 Airspace cabin, which include connectivity, peaceful surroundings, personal space, and good air quality. He points out that the LED lighting system can create more than 16 million colour combinations, meaning that airlines may tailor their products. Van der Heijden commends Qantas for using this technology to produce effects that are grounded in science and help travellers adjust to time zone changes. In his opinion, this initiative validates the A350's position as the global leader in long-range vehicles. 

Dr. Sveta Postnova of the Charles Perkins Centre is happy that circadian research is being used in real life. She says that to maximize circadian impacts at various flight periods, the new A350 lighting scenarios took technical requirements, appearance, ambience, and safety into account. 

Qantas Airbus A350-1000 Update
Qantas gave 9News access to the Airbus A350-1000 production specifications. The first flight of this aircraft is scheduled for 2026. With its additional fuel tank and cutting-edge technologies, the A350-1000 uses 25% less fuel than its predecessor. Airbus spokesman Joost Van Der Heijden says the aircraft can go from Australia to any city worldwide. 

Qantas ordered twelve A350-1000s for Project Sunrise. These aircraft will carry passengers nonstop, 22-hour flights to New York and London. 

40% of the aircraft's seats are divided between first class, business, and premium economy. Qantas International's chief executive, Cam Wallace, highlights that the A350-1000 can reach markets that were previously unreachable because of technological constraints.