Health & Medicine, Australia (Commonwealth Union) – Research conducted by the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre together with Qantas has demonstrated that the impacts of jet lag can be reduced by reimagining the in-flight travel experience. Preliminary studies have revealed that incorporating various elements such as different lighting and sleep schedules, mealtimes, and specific ingredients like chili and chocolate during long-haul flights can contribute to enhanced well-being for travelers. Movement and exercise also play a crucial role in this process which was no Suprise.
The initial research took place during the 2019 research flights conducted as part of Qantas’ Project Sunrise program. This program aims to establish direct flights connecting Sydney with New York and London, starting in late 2025. Qantas has collaborated with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre since 2015, initially in preparation for the launch of direct flights from Perth to London.
As a section of the Project Sunrise initiative, Qantas operated 3 research flights from New York and London to Sydney in 2019. These flights involved partnering with researchers from the Charles Perkins Centre to collect real-world passenger data. The researchers themselves traveled on the aircraft and closely monitored the well-being of 23 volunteer customers. These passengers were equipped with wearable device technology and followed specially designed sequences for menus, lighting, sleep, as well as movement throughout the 20-hour flights.
The initial results which have not been published so far, demonstrate that when contrasted to customers for a traditional in-flight series of light exposure, eating, and sleeping, the persons on the tailored schedule faced 3 key features. These include reduced severe jet lag, enhanced sleep quality in-flight, and enhanced cognitive performance in the 2 days following the flight.
During the inflight trials, various strategies were implemented to enhance the passengers’ adjustment to the destination time zone. Tailored cabin lighting schedules were employed to facilitate this adaptation process. Additionally, simple stretch and movement activities were integrated into the inflight experience to encourage physical activity.
The timing of meal services was also adjusted to align with the passengers’ internal body clocks. Specific menu items were carefully chosen to promote waking and sleeping patterns. Meals included high protein foods paired with fast-acting carbohydrates, as well as comforting options like soups and milk-based desserts, all aimed at stimulating the brain’s production of the amino acid tryptophan (known as ‘Tryp’) and facilitating easier sleep for passengers.
As a result of this research, the Airbus A350s that Qantas will utilize for Project Sunrise flights have been specially designed to incorporate a dedicated Wellbeing Zone. This zone, inspired by the research findings, was unveiled in New York. Passengers onboard these flights will have the opportunity to take a break and engage in stretching exercises and simple workouts as instructed by video screens, providing a dedicated space for their well-being during the journey.
Peter Cistulli, a Professor of Sleep Medicine from the University of Sydney indicated that while the study was ongoing, clear indications were there that the interventions put into place as the trial flights brought down the impact of ultra-long-haul travel.
“We have a multi-disciplinary team of more than ten researchers from medicine, science, and engineering backgrounds working together on this project. This includes sleep researchers, circadian experts, and nutrition and movement experts. No airline has ever done this kind of research before.”
“The early findings have given us optimism that we can make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of international travelers thanks to this partnership with Qantas.”
Parallel studies have been conducted by other teams to manage crew well-being on these flights, that takes into account experience from other ultra-long-haul flights operated by Qantas as well.
There is a schedule for Qantas to take off its 1st A350 in late 2025, where the Project Sunrise launch route between Sydney and New York follows a bit later.
