Qantas passengers are set to benefit from a world first collaboration between the airline and one of Australia’s leading academic institutions to reshape the travel experience.
The University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre will work with Qantas to help develop the airline’s new approach to long haul travel ahead of the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights this year. The aircraft will fly routes including Perth to London–the third-longest passenger flight in the world–and Melbourne to Los Angeles. Research projects include strategies to counteract jetlag, on-board exercise and movement, menu design and service timing, pre- and post-flight preparation, transit lounge wellness concepts and cabin environment including lighting and temperature. Qantas group CEO Alan Joyce said the partnership has the potential to transform the journey for passengers, particularly on the long-haul routes the Dreamliner is scheduled to operate. “While the Dreamliner aircraft itself is already a step change for passengers with its larger windows, increased cabin humidity and lower cabin altitude, the findings that will come from Charles Perkins Centre researchers will allow Qantas to design and develop a range of new innovations and strategies to complement the Dreamliner experience. “By taking a holistic view of our customers, our partnership will examine everything from reducing the impact of jetlag through to health, nutrition and sleep through the entire journey experience,” Joyce said. “We’re all looking at how we can prepare passengers ahead of their long-haul flight, and of course on board and when they arrive at their destinations; we want our customers to feel their best at the end of their flight with us.” “The centre’s research has already influenced what meals and beverages we’ll be serving onboard and when, cabin lighting and temperature as well as the airport lounge experience. “Neil Perry is working with the centre on new menus for the 787 flights so we are excited that one of Australia’s best culinary minds is teaming up with the best scientific minds to design the best possible menu to look after both health and hunger.” Qantas and the Charles Perkins Centre are looking at opportunities to involve some Qantas frequent flyers in trials that involve wearable technology in the measurement of existing biorhythms during travel, enabling future products to be developed and designed with the insight of robust data.