A dedicated area where passengers can stand, stretch, and enjoy brief social interactions
When Qantas introduces its non-stop Project Sunrise flights connecting Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London by the end of 2025, only 25% of passengers will have the privilege of experiencing the Airbus A350’s first-class roomettes and business class suites. The majority of travelers embarking on these 18-22 hour journeys will occupy premium economy and economy seats, which, although offering increased legroom, still require enduring an extended period in one position.
To address this, Qantas is providing an additional area for these passengers—a designated wellness space that allows them to stand up, stretch, and engage in simple exercises guided by instructional videos displayed on a screen. This dedicated space aims to enhance the comfort and well-being of passengers during the long-haul flights.
The introduction of the Wellbeing Zone on the Airbus A350-1000 Project Sunrise aircraft marks a distinctive feature, unparalleled in the aviation industry. Qantas has commissioned the construction of just 12 Airbus A350-1000ULRs, equipped with additional fuel tanks. These specialized aircraft are exclusively intended for Qantas and hold the remarkable capability of flying non-stop between any two destinations worldwide.
The Wellbeing Zone ingeniously utilizes the door space of the A350 aircraft located between the premium economy and economy cabins. It cleverly wraps around on both sides, creating additional room where up to eight passengers, with four on each side, can enjoy a refreshing break from their seats.
Spacious video screens will guide passengers through a series of straightforward exercises aimed at relieving stiffness in joints and enhancing blood circulation.
During the initial stages of Project Sunrise, Qantas and designer embarked on conceptualizing wellness areas and other cabin spaces that do not revolve around traditional seating arrangements. At one point, they even explored the innovative concept of utilizing below-deck spaces within the cargo hold.
The designer, highlights the uncharted territory of incorporating such features in commercial aviation. With no existing reference points to draw from, extensive exploration and research were conducted, including focus groups, to generate various possibilities. Among the ideas considered was the inclusion of exercise bikes, although the practicality of perspiring during a flight raised concerns. In addition to facilitating light exercise, the Wellbeing Zone serves another crucial role during the extensive A350 flights: it provides economy class passengers with a designated space to spend time away from their seats, encouraging movement and offering an opportunity to enhance their overall well-being during and after the journey.
With the aim of promoting passenger well-being, the Wellbeing Zone incorporates a self-service snack and refreshment bar. However, designer clarifies that this addition is not intended to transform the area into a social gathering space or a Qantas Club-like atmosphere in the sky. The focus is not on serving alcoholic beverages, and he believes that even the chilled self-serve compartment may not contain any alcoholic options. The primary purpose of the area is to provide passengers with an opportunity to visit, engage in movement, enjoy a refreshing beverage, and then return to their seats.
While the level of activity in the Wellbeing Zone may vary at different times, it is essential to maintain a serene cabin environment to avoid disturbing passengers who may be resting in the economy section. Therefore, the Wellbeing Zone will be separated from the premium economy and economy cabins by thick sound-absorbing curtains to ensure noise containment.
Positioned beyond the left and right entrances of the A350, the Wellbeing Zone encompasses sculpted walls or “leaners” on either side. These walls provide a supportive surface against which passengers can stand, accompanied by integrated grab handles that facilitate stretching exercises and movements.
