# Qantas Tests Cabin Innovations to Mitigate Long-Haul Jet Lag Airlines are using lighting and meal timing to help passengers adjust to new time zones. - **Source:** [Simple Flying](https://simpleflying.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a2e5754a-7f71-4836-8332-fe65e2c00017 ## Project Sunrise Research Initiative Qantas is developing ultra-long-haul nonstop flights between Sydney, London, and New York. To prepare, the airline launched Project Sunrise, utilizing 12 custom Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft. Since 2015, they have partnered with the University of Sydney to study how cabin environments affect passenger circadian rhythms during flights exceeding 19 hours. ## Scientific Approach to Cabin Lighting Researchers tested hundreds of lighting patterns in a Hamburg mock-up to create 12 distinct scenes. These designs, including 'Awake' and 'Sunset,' use specific light wavelengths to influence alertness. By manipulating cabin brightness, the airline aims to help passengers adapt to destination time zones while still in the air. ## Optimized In-Flight Meal Timing Unlike traditional service, Qantas adjusts meal times to match the destination's schedule. Menus feature specific ingredients like protein-rich foods to keep passengers awake or comfort foods to induce sleep. This strategy promotes the production of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps travelers drift off more easily during long journeys. ## Dedicated Passenger Wellbeing Zones The new A350-1000ULR aircraft feature a dedicated Wellbeing Zone located between premium and economy cabins. This space provides hydration stations and sculpted surfaces designed for stretching. Passengers can follow guided exercises on large monitors, which researchers identified as a key factor in reducing the physical impact of long-haul travel. ## Data-Driven Passenger Monitoring During 2019 research flights, 23 volunteers wore tracking devices to monitor their physiological responses. Researchers analyzed brain waves, melatonin levels, and cognitive performance. Passengers also maintained daily logs for three weeks, providing data that suggested optimized schedules resulted in less severe jet lag and improved sleep quality upon arrival. ## Operational and Crew Adjustments The research necessitated changes to crew operations, as human alertness typically drops after 10 hours of duty. Qantas implemented rigid, alternating shift patterns for pilots and cabin crew. These adjustments include specialized rosters and the use of overhead rest areas to ensure safety and performance throughout the ultra-long-haul flight duration. ## Preliminary Findings and Results Early results from 2023 indicate that tailored lighting and meal schedules significantly reduce jet lag symptoms. While researchers describe these findings as preliminary, they report improved cognitive performance in the two days following arrival. The study represents a multidisciplinary effort involving sleep experts, nutritionists, and engineers to revolutionize international travel. ## Future of Long-Haul Travel Qantas believes these cabin innovations will provide a competitive advantage by saving four hours of flight time. By focusing on passenger health and comfort, the airline hopes to set a new standard for ultra-long-haul commercial aviation. The initiative aims to make crossing nine or more time zones a more manageable experience. ## Sources covering this story - https://simpleflying.com/true-airlines-intentionally-use-cabin-lighting-meal-timing-fight-long-haul-jet-lag/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._