Australian carrier Qantas Airways is placing science at the centre of its upcoming ultra-long-haul flights, introducing a range of health-focused cabin features designed to ease the strain of journeys lasting nearly a full day.

Set to launch in October next year using Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, the Sydney–London service will include a dedicated wellness zone, increased legroom options, specially timed meal service and dynamic lighting systems intended to help regulate passengers’ body clocks. The airline also plans future non-stop flights from Sydney to New York under the same initiative, known as Project Sunrise.

Experts involved in the project say the scientific approach targets the biological challenges of crossing multiple time zones. Peter Cistulli described the journey as a significant disruption to human circadian rhythms, noting the impact of shifting across seven to nine time zones to London and up to 16 for New York.

Research conducted over nearly a decade has focused on factors such as nutrition, movement, ergonomics and especially light exposure. Adjusting meal schedules and creating protected sleep periods through lighting design were found to improve passenger alertness in trials compared with conventional long-haul services.

Cabin designer David Caon said the project required a medical and scientific mindset as much as a design-led approach. While early concepts included exercise equipment and yoga spaces, the final design prioritises a “wellness zone” featuring soft, diffused lighting intended to create a relaxed environment similar to resting poolside.

Across the cabin, programmable lighting will simulate sunrise and sunset effects, shifting gradually from front to rear. Around 14 lighting scenarios have been developed to reflect Australian landscapes and help manage fatigue on long flights that could reach up to 22 hours.

Beyond passenger comfort, Qantas sees the redesign as a commercial strategy aimed at turning Australia’s geographic isolation into a competitive advantage. The airline expects the service could deliver around 20% higher revenue compared with one-stop alternatives, based on performance from its Perth–London route.

Chief Executive Vanessa Hudson said pricing expectations reflect existing demand patterns on long-haul premium services, while analysts suggest the airline’s earlier ultra-long flights have strengthened confidence in the business model.

The aircraft will carry 238 passengers in a premium-heavy configuration, with some seats potentially restricted depending on fuel requirements and operating conditions. Industry experts have also highlighted risks such as higher costs linked to potential diversions on such long routes.

Passenger reactions have been mixed but generally optimistic. Some frequent travellers said they value uninterrupted journeys, reduced airport stops and time savings, though comfort and pricing remain key concerns.

Seat pitch in economy will range from 32 to 33 inches, with a separate “Economy Plus” section offering 34 inches of legroom. At the front of the aircraft, enclosed first-class suites with fixed beds will be introduced.

Business travellers expressed differing views on the value proposition. Some see the time savings as useful for productivity, while others question whether a modest reduction in travel time justifies higher fares compared with one-stop options.

Despite differing opinions, many passengers said the appeal lies in avoiding layovers and reducing travel disruption, particularly for intercontinental journeys spanning Europe, Australia and North America.

Source: ZAWYA

Riyadh Air and Saudia have announced the implementation of the first phase of their Strategic Cooperation Agreement, marking a major step in strengthening connectivity under Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy.

The partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2023 and enables the two airlines to expand travel options for domestic and international passengers.

As part of the first phase, Riyadh Air has established a connection with Saudia’s Passenger Service System (PSS), allowing the carriers to implement their codeshare across their respective technology platforms.

Under the RX-SV codeshare, Riyadh Air will place its “RX” designator on selected Saudia-operated flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport to six domestic destinations: Abha, Al Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina and Tabuk.

The agreement will give Riyadh Air passengers access to additional destinations worldwide through convenient connections in Riyadh. For example, travelers from Dammam can connect via Riyadh to Madrid on a single ticket, while passengers flying from Kuala Lumpur can connect through Riyadh to Medina.

By using Saudia’s frequent services between Riyadh and the six codeshare destinations, Riyadh Air will offer passengers more convenient connections aligned with the arrival and departure schedules of its flights at Riyadh.

Both airlines operate within the King Khalid International Airport Terminal 1-4 complex, enabling passengers to benefit from streamlined connections, single-ticket journeys and through-checked baggage to their final destinations.

The first phase represents a significant step toward deeper cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s two national carriers and supports the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to expand its global aviation network.

Source: aaco.org

SalamAir has announced the establishment of Salalah’s first-ever airline base, marking a major step in the airline’s expansion and strengthening direct international connectivity from Oman’s Dhofar Governorate.

The new Salalah-based operation will initially serve three international destinations: Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Chattogram in Bangladesh and Calicut in India. Bookings opened on August 26, with flights scheduled to begin from the end of October as part of SalamAir’s Winter 2026 schedule.

The base follows SalamAir’s expanded operations during the 2026 Khareef season, when the airline increased capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route to as many as 15 daily flights during peak periods.

The airline also introduced special domestic fares for Omani nationals, with one-way tickets starting from OMR 9.99, supporting affordable travel between Muscat and Salalah.

The new base is expected to extend SalamAir’s role beyond the Khareef season by supporting year-round travel demand among residents and expatriate communities in Dhofar while offering more direct access to key regional and international destinations.

Operations from Salalah will be supported by SalamAir’s Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet. The airline currently operates 18 aircraft, providing additional flexibility to support growing demand across its network.

During the winter season, SalamAir will also operate charter flights linking Salalah with Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, supporting inbound tourism from Central Asia.

The Salalah base forms part of SalamAir’s wider strategy to expand its network from key airports across Oman, develop underserved markets and stimulate new travel demand while supporting the growth of the Sultanate’s aviation and tourism sectors.

Source: ZAWYA