Stationary exercise bikes, cafes and virtual reality are on the wishlist of features Qantas passengers would like to see on ultra-long-haul flights.
The responses captured last year in conjunction with Sydney University’s Charles Perkins Centre are part of research being done as Qantas prepares to launch the first non-stop, long haul flights from Australia’s East Coast to New York and London from 2022.
The airline has been conducting focus group research as well as surveying customers as they step off its direct London to Perth ultra-long-haul services to capture their experience, suggestions and feedback.
The responses came after Qantas last year raised possibilities such as exercise zones, an on-board creche, on an in-flight bar and even downstairs beds in the cargo hold for its ultra-long-haul project, dubbed “Project Sunrise”.
READ: Will Qantas underfloor beds bring back the romance of travel?
Airbus and cabin interior specialist Zodiac Aerospace announced in 2018 they would develop lower deck modules with passenger sleeping berths and other facilities that can fit into an aircraft cargo compartment.
The five most frequent suggestions that came back in the Flying Kangaroo’s recent passenger research included providing a “sense of separation” so passengers can be social but then use virtual reality, relaxation zones, mindfulness experiences or through broader inflight entertainment.
They also wanted:
- Spaces to do gentle exercise/stretches, promoting circulation and comfort.
- Wireless, noise canceling headsets
- Innovative cabin designs across the entire aircraft, considering both seat and non-seat spaces to focus on a broad range of traveler needs including comfort, sleep, dining, entertainment and state of mind.
- An inflight cafe offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including wine, fresh juices, herbal teas and tisanes and mocktails along with snacks including dips with vegetable sticks as well as “treat foods”
Qantas International chief executive Alison Webster said the new research showed increased interest in physical wellbeing, state of mind and personal time and space.
“Customer feedback from the Perth to London flight has exceeded expectations, especially in relation to the time saved by skipping the traditional stopover and going direct to their destination,” Webster said.
“The engagement and enthusiasm we’re seeing from this research highlights how passionate our customers are to be a part of the evolution of ultra-long-haul travel.”
“Our job now is to determine where the most demand is and create this cabin in a way that makes it both affordable for customers and commercially viable for the airline. Everything is on the table and we are excited about what innovations may come from this research.”
Qantas has already addressed some issues with initiatives that include 15-minute stretch routines for passengers before and after a long-haul flight, outdoor spaces at Perth terminal offering access to fresh air and specially designed onboard lighting
There is also an inflight menu designed by Neil Perry using scientific research from Charles Perkins Centre, to help determine the best ingredients to use in meals across various points of the flight to aid sleep and wakefulness.
The airline says the next phase of its project will involve using new research from Charles Perkins Centre and ongoing customer feedback to inspire Qantas Industrial Designer David Caon to create interior cabin features, as well as future lounge features further incorporating health and wellness initiatives.
“Customers are sharing some incredibly imaginative ideas, which is an exciting challenge and helps us to think outside of the box to redefine the ultra-long-haul experience,” Caon said.
“Bringing some of these concepts to life will involve an entire rethink around how to be clever about use of all cabin space and what is practically possible but it may well involve incorporating design elements never before seen on commercial aircraft.”
The airline is currently evaluating which aircraft type it will use to launch its ultra-long-haul route and is expected to make an announcement later this year.
Under consideration are the Boeing 777X, which is due to roll out next month, and an ultra-long-range version of the Airbus A350.
Boeing has already rolled out some more conventional concepts for its aircraft which include greater storage and comfort as well as the ability to control in-flight entertainment from personal devices.
READ: Boeing reveals details of its 777X in a new video
