Yesterday, we had our first look at what the new Qantas A350 will look like from the outside. Today, Qantas has released more details of how the aircraft will look on the inside. And let’s face it, we’ll be sitting on the inside for up to 22 hours. Of course, those up the front will get to lie down for many of those hours!
The A350-1000ULR Cabin Layout
The Qantas A350‑1000ULR sets a new standard for ultra‑long‑haul travel. It carries only 238 passengers, giving the aircraft the lowest seat density of any A350 in the world. That means more space, more comfort, and a calmer cabin from the moment you step on board.
Qantas built this aircraft around wellbeing. The airline spent more than a decade working with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, Caon Design Office, and top technology partners to design a cabin that helps your body handle long hours in the air.
Every element works together. Seating, lighting, dining, and wellness features sync to support natural rest cycles. You can stretch out, relax, and hopefully arrive feeling surprisingly refreshed. Of course, while that is what you want after a marathon flight across, it remains to be seen just how you’ll feel!
Qantas A350 First
The Qantas A350‑1000ULR First cabin will offer six private suites in a 1‑1‑1 layout. Each suite feels more like a mini‑retreat than an airline seat. You get an 80‑inch flat bed, a separate reclining armchair, and a large table built for dining or work. There’s also a full‑length wardrobe and plenty of personal storage, so you can settle in without clutter.
Qantas tested the new First suites for months. The team mapped pressure points and built a multi‑layer memory foam mattress that supports the body on ultra‑long flights. Lighting inside each suite adjusts to your circadian rhythm, helping you rest naturally as you cross time zones.
For privacy, the suite includes a digital exterior panel that lets you communicate with the crew without opening the door. It’s a small detail, but it makes the experience feel calm, personal, and incredibly refined.
Business
The 52 Business suites sit in a 1‑2‑1 layout, giving every traveller direct aisle access. For the first time on a Qantas aircraft, each suite includes a sliding door for extra privacy. The centre seats also feature an adjustable divider, perfect for couples or solo travellers.
Each suite offers an 80‑inch flat bed, a large dining and work table, and more storage than previous Qantas Business cabins. Qantas plans flexible dining so passengers can eat when it suits their body clock. This aligns with the circadian‑based research behind the entire Sunrise cabin. Soft, luminescent lighting dims at ideal intervals to help you drift into sleep naturally.
Premium Economy
The 40‑seat Premium Economy cabin uses a 2‑4‑2 layout and has been redesigned specifically for ultra‑long‑haul flights. Every seat includes a full leg‑and‑calf cradle, an 8‑inch winged privacy headrest, and dedicated storage pockets. Qantas also gives this cabin its most generous seat pitch yet.
A custom multi‑layer memory foam system, tested for lumbar support and pressure relief, makes long hours in the air feel easier on the body. It’s a noticeable upgrade for travellers who want comfort without the Business Class price tag.
Economy & Economy Plus
The 140‑seat Economy cabin uses a 3‑3‑3 layout and offers more legroom than any current Qantas aircraft. Each seat features a new multi‑layer memory foam cushion, tested to the same standard as Premium Economy. The seats are upholstered in breathable wool in a warm Pilbara Red, inspired by Australia’s landscape.
Travellers can also upgrade to Qantas Economy Plus, located at the front of the cabin. These 42 seats offer a 34‑inch pitch, priority boarding, and priority access to overhead bins. More than 70% of seats on the aircraft provide 33 inches of pitch or more, making this the most spacious Qantas long‑haul layout to date.
Other Features
Wellbeing Zone
The Qantas A350‑1000ULR introduces the world’s first purpose‑built inflight Wellbeing Zone. It sits between Premium Economy and Economy, giving travellers a dedicated place to move and reset during ultra‑long‑haul flights.
Designed by Caon Design Office, the space features sculpted wall panels, built‑in stretch handles, and a guided movement program on screen. You can hydrate at the self‑serve station and grab premium refreshments whenever you need a break. It’s a smart, calming addition that makes long hours in the air feel more manageable.
Inflight Entertainment
Qantas has also created its most advanced inflight entertainment system in over a decade. The interface feels familiar and intuitive, much like the devices you use every day.
A built‑in journey planner syncs with the cabin lighting and shows when meals arrive and when the cabin dims for rest. You can plan your entire flight at a glance. The system supports 15 languages, remembers your viewing history, and even lets you watch a movie with up to three other passengers through the “watch together” feature.
Fast Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth pairing are available in every cabin, making it easy to stream, message, or connect your own headphones.
