Qantas is set to transform ultra-long-haul air travel with its Project Sunrise flights, featuring an innovative cabin lighting system. The system is inspired by the vibrant hues of the Australian landscape.
This scientifically designed lighting system aims to minimize jetlag and enhance passenger wellbeing on nonstop flights connecting Australia’s east coast with London and New York.
A350 Cabin Lighting System
The revolutionary lighting system is the result of an extensive collaboration between Qantas, Airbus, the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, and Caon Design Office.
Over 150 hours of testing were conducted at the Airbus Customer Definition Centre in Hamburg. Here the team created and evaluated hundreds of lighting patterns and sequences in an Airbus A350 cabin mockup.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace emphasized the significance of this scientifically informed lighting design.
“These world first flights have been an opportunity for us to work with experts and build on our experience of long haul flying. We rethought the inflight experience with a focus on customer wellbeing and combating the effects of jetlag.”
The lighting system’s development was guided by research conducted by Qantas and the Charles Perkins Centre during Project Sunrise test flights.
This study revealed potential strategies to reduce jetlag by reshaping the inflight experience.
Using circadian rhythm modeling, researchers determined the optimal light spectra to promote circadian adaptation, sleep, and wakefulness.
12 Unique Lighting Scenes
The result is a series of 12 unique lighting scenes tailored specifically for Project Sunrise flights. These include “Awake,” featuring broad spectrum, blue enriched lighting to help passengers adjust to their destination time zone.
The “Sunset” setting transitions from daytime to night through a mesmerizing array of sunset colors. This culminates in a night sky effect with moonlight and slow moving clouds.
The “Sunrise” scene dynamically replicates an Australian sunrise, gradually illuminating the cabin from front to rear.
Australian Industrial Designer David Caon has been working on Qantas cabin designs for over five years. He explained the crucial role of lighting in passenger wellbeing.
“Aircraft lighting doesn’t cross the mind of most travellers. The external light cycle of night and day has more impact on our circadian rhythm and the impact of jetlag than any other factor.”
Wellbeing Zone
One of the most innovative features of the Project Sunrise A350 is the Wellbeing Zone. This is a dedicated area between Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
This space, which recently won a Crystal Cabin Award for Passenger Comfort, offers passengers a chance to stretch, and engage in guided exercises. They can enjoy refreshments as they take a break.
The zone features its own specialized lighting, with a daytime sky effect to promote wakefulness. It switches to a moonlight inspired scene for rest periods.
In a first for Qantas, passengers in the six enclosed First Suites will have access to a fully customizable lighting sequence.
This allows travelers to choose their preferred time zone for the entire flight. the system offers an unprecedented level of personalization in air travel.
Joost van der Heijden, SVP & Global Head of Marketing at Airbus Commercial Aircraft, praised Qantas’ utilization of the A350’s advanced lighting capabilities.
“Qantas has taken full advantage of this unique lighting system to create science based specific effects. It will help passengers adapt to the changing time zones. This will contribute to their well-being on the world’s longest commercial flights.”
Dr. Sveta Postnova from the Charles Perkins Centre lauded the project as a successful translation of circadian science into practice. She highlighted the collaborative effort that brought together expertise from various fields.
Summary
The unveiling of these customized lighting schemes took place at Airbus’ Airspace Customer Showroom in Toulouse. It marks the latest step in the Project Sunrise program.
As Qantas prepares to launch these ultra-long-haul flights, the innovative lighting system, combined with specially designed cabins, tailored meal planning, and integrated movement programs, promises to redefine long distance air travel.
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