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Editorial Disclosure
If you’re looking to fly the world’s longest 22-hour flights in style, Qantas’ new first class on the Airbus A350-1000ULR is the way to go.
The product — the airline’s first new first-class offering since 2008 — marks a major upgrade over the existing experience on the iconic double-decker Airbus A380.
As Qantas gears up to launch its Project Sunrise flights, the airline invited me to get a first look at the new ultra-long-haul experience at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France.
Here’s what’s coming to the pointy end of the plane.
Project Sunrise background
Project Sunrise has long been what Qantas calls the “final frontier of aviation” — connecting Australia’s east coast with nonstop flights to London and New York lasting up to 22 hours.
That aspiration becomes reality next year, when the inaugural Sydney-to-London flight takes off in October. New York service is set to follow shortly thereafter.
The flights will be operated by the purpose-built Airbus A350-1000ULR, designed to fly nonstop for more than 10,000 miles.
Sydney to London measures 10,573 miles, while Sydney to New York clocks in at 9,950 miles. Qantas expects flights to run between 18 and 22 hours, depending on direction, weather, and seasonality.
The Project Sunrise A350s will be configured with 238 seats:
- 6 first-class suites
- 52 business-class pods
- 40 premium economy recliners
- 140 economy seats
- A wellness zone available to everyone with space for stretching and light yoga
Qantas first class on the A350-1000ULR
As the inaugural draws nearer, Qantas showed off the new first-class suite in Toulouse.
There are six suites spread across two rows in a 1-1-1 configuration. The one on display was suite 2F — the center suite in the second row.
Note that the window seats will feature two dimmable window panes rather than the patterned wall shown below.
My first impression was how inviting the product felt, and how much more space you get than in first class on the A380. I love the light brown and cream tones that Caon Design went with here.
The highlight is that the suite has both a bed and a seat, reminiscent of the new Air France La Premiere product and the now-retired Lufthansa Boeing 747-400 first class.
The seat reclines substantially, but if you want to lie flat, you’ll need to hop into bed. (The buddy seat doubles as a small ottoman for your feet or a traveling companion.)
I found the 22-inch-wide seat plenty comfortable during my 15-minute tour, but I’ll be curious to try it out when I eventually spend 88 times as long on this plane.
Meanwhile, the bed measures 80 inches long, and with no footwell, you should have no problem getting a good night’s rest.
Storage and seat controls
For storage, the suite has a small pullout drawer beneath the ottoman. Below that is where you’ll stow your carry-on — there are no overhead bins in first class.
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A small enclosed storage closet (with a mirror) sits next to the TV, and there’s a full-length wardrobe for hanging clothes.
To control your seat, you can use one of the preset buttons on the side or the new touchscreen seat controller (which wasn’t installed in the mockup I tested). Above the controller is a personal air nozzle and light.
Behind the seat is where you’ll find the power outlet, USB-A, and USB-C ports. It’s a convenient spot to charge your phone while you sleep, but otherwise an annoying place to put the outlets.
One of the coolest touches: the bed features an adjustable backrest for breakfast in bed — or just another position to try out during the world’s longest flight. The suite also has customizable LED lighting, though that wasn’t available to test.
The tech is already dated
Perhaps the biggest downside is the technology.
Since the product was designed and ordered a few years ago, Qantas can’t feasibly incorporate the latest trends, such as 4K TVs and wireless charging pads.
The TV measures 32 inches, but it’s not nearly as crisp as the screen in United’s new Polaris Studio.
Qantas also inked a deal years ago to equip its fleet with Viasat Wi-Fi. Aside from the provider’s historic lack of coverage over Asia, Starlink has since overtaken Viasat as the single best inflight internet provider.
I’m not sure about you, but after trying Starlink on a few airlines, there’s no going back. I think Qantas will quickly realize just how many travelers will pine for it.
That tray table, though
Whether you’re looking to catch up on work or dine on some Neil Perry delicacies, you’ll find the massive tri-fold tucked into the storage closet next to the wardrobe.
The table measures a whopping 30 inches long by 21 inches wide, making my 13-inch MacBook Air look more like an iPad Mini.
Seriously, this is one of the largest tray tables I’ve ever tried.
Finally, the suite is fully enclosed by a sliding door that’s 57 inches high.
Bottom line
Qantas’ new first class on the A350-1000ULR is no doubt the fanciest way to traverse the globe commercially. (Unless you’re a pilot and can sleep in the crew rest.)
The product is a big, modernized upgrade over the fan-favorite first-class experience on the A380, and I personally can’t wait to see if I’m ready to leave the suite after landing from a 22-hour flight.
The two big unanswered questions: How much will a first-class ticket cost? And will you be able to redeem miles for it?
We’ll find out soon enough. Flights go on sale in February.
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