Exercise bikes, in-flight cafes and virtual reality relaxation. That’s what the future of ultra long-haul flying could look like, according to Qantas.
Qantas wants its ultra long-haul passengers to feel great in the sky, particularly with plans for non-stop flights from the east coast of Australia to New York and London from 2022.
To find out what their passengers need for such lengthy flights, Qantas paired up with Sydney University’s Charles Perkins Centre to do focus group research and survey customers fresh off the direct London to Perth services.
Qantas International CEO Alison Webster said the new research revealed an increased interest towards physical wellbeing, state of mind and personal time and space.
Here are the top five most frequent suggestions from Qantas passengers
Variety in the sky
Passengers want to feel a “sense of separation”. For example they want the chance to be social but then also “zone out” with either virtual reality relaxation zones, audio mindfulness experiences, or through the broader inflight entertainment.
Fitness first
Many passengers are asking for spaces to do gentle exercise/stretches, promoting circulation and comfort.
Silence is golden
It comes as no surprise that customers are after some peace and quiet through wireless, noise cancelling headsets.
Fresh design
Customers are after innovative cabin designs across the entire aircraft, considering both seat and non-seat spaces to focus on a broad range of traveller needs including comfort, sleep, dining, entertainment and state of mind.
Sky cafes
Customes like the idea of 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”.
So, will all this come to fruition?
Qantas said the feedback will inspire Qantas Industrial Designer David Caon to create features for the interior cabin, as well as future lounge features.
It will also be used by Qantas Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry, to create the future onboard dining experience.
Qantas will reveal more later in the year, including which aircraft type it would operate, with both the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350 under consideration.
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