Qantas adds tiny design innovation that will change flying in economy
Taking off between Melbourne and Los Angeles six times a week, the new fleet of Qantas Dreamliners have been designed with a small yet game-changing comfort detail.
Aside from limiting the number of economy passengers to 166 in an attempt to offer a more comfortable flying experience, Qantas has also added a feature to promote relaxation in the cabin.
The hack is a simple, yet effective spring-loaded foot net at the base of the seat in front. It’s designed for passengers to simply place their feet inside and recline.
Qantas says it’s a step up from the traditional foot rest which supports only your feet, adding the new enhancement also cradles the feet and calves for more overall support and a more pleasant long-haul journey.
The seat's designer David Caon used a Featherlite seat from famed German manufacturer Recaro as the basis for the Qantas unit and adapted it for the Dreamliner.
Qantas is considering a retrofit of its other aircraft in the future to include the innovation.
The new fleet of eight Boeing 787-9s also comes with bespoke fabrics, mood lighting, and a special tray to hold tablets.
Captain Alex Passerini said "advanced technology” was also another highlight of the new Dreamliner, reducing turbulence and improving entertainment experiences.
“One of the main features is the wing. It’s made of composite fibre. You can also expect larger windows, better air quality to help reduce jet lag, and ride dampening technology to reduce the effects of turbulence,” he said.
From December 2017, the Qantas Dreamliner will fly between Melbourne and Los Angeles six times a week. Next March, a daily 17-hour-long, 14,400km non-stop flight from Perth to London will be added.
