Airlines

World first research shows ways to reduce jetlag ahead of Qantas Sunrise flights

It is feasible to lessen the effects of jet lag by changing the inflight travel experience, according to research results published today by Australian airline Qantas and the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney.

The well-being of passengers on long flights has been proven to be enhanced by different lighting and sleep schedules, mealtimes, and particular ingredients like chocolate and chilli. Unsurprisingly, exercise and movement are important.

QANTAS’ NEW YORK TO SYDNEY NON-STOP RESEARCH FLIGHT SET FOR TAKE-OFF(Opens in a new browser tab)

The groundbreaking research was carried out on test flights for Qantas‘ Project Sunrise programme, which will launch direct flights from Sydney to New York and London in late 2025.

During the 20-hour trip, researchers followed a precisely tailored meal, lighting, sleep, and mobility sequences while observing 23 volunteer passengers who were fitted with wearable gadget equipment.

Did you know? Why airplane windows are round..!(Opens in a new browser tab)

Initial findings, as yet unpublished, indicate that, compared to customers on a traditional inflight sequence of eating and sleeping, those on the tailored schedule experienced:

less severe jet lag (self-reported)
better sleep quality inflight
better cognitive performance in the two days after flight

The in-flight experiments included incorporating easy stretch and movement exercises as well as customized cabin lighting patterns to promote acclimatization to the destination time zone.

They also changed the meal service schedule to match the body clock and stimulate waking and sleep by employing certain menu items such as fish and chicken mixed with fast-acting carbs, as well as comfort foods such as soups and milk-based sweets. The aim was to promote the brain’s production of the amino acid tryptophan (‘Tryp’) to help passengers drift off more easily.

Airlines

Virgin Atlantic Introduces Sign Language Crew Booking for Inclusive Flights

Virgin Atlantic has set a new standard for inclusivity in air travel by becoming the first UK airline to offer British Sign Language (BSL)-trained crew members on its flights.

As part of its commitment to ensuring every customer has a positive and accessible travel experience, Virgin Atlantic teamed up with deaf Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley and deaf twin content creators Hermon and Heroda Berhane. Together, they helped the airline better understand the needs of its deaf and hard of hearing passengers.

Air India to Roll Out New Guidelines for Cabin Crew

The airline tested its BSL services on a flight from London Heathrow to Washington, with the experience captured in a special film to mark International Week of Deaf People. The BSL-trained crew greeted passengers with Virgin Atlantic’s signature warm welcome, assisted with in-flight navigation, alerted passengers to important announcements, and provided accessible in-flight entertainment options.

Virgin Atlantic’s efforts don’t stop there. The airline has committed to increasing subtitled in-flight entertainment options, enhancing clarity for special assistance services on its website, and introducing Sign Live—an on-demand BSL interpreter service for customer support teams. These new initiatives build on Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing work with Remark!, a leading deaf-led organization that provides BSL training for the airline’s crew.

Qatar Airways Launches new Flights From Doha To Toronto

With a growing number of BSL-trained crew members available on all flights, Virgin Atlantic is taking significant steps to make air travel more inclusive. And also recently it has hire the virgin atlantic down syndrome girl for work. This initiative is part of a larger campaign to promote deaf awareness and improve the flying experience for all passengers with hearing loss. Passengers can now request a BSL-trained crew member when booking their flights through the airline’s website, ensuring they have the support they need throughout their journey.

Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond flights, with partnerships like the one with Channel 4, where BSL-trained crew members appeared in sign language interpreter segments. The airline also proudly supported the England Deaf Rugby team during their tour of South Africa.

By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, Virgin Atlantic is leading the way for other airlines, ensuring that every passenger feels confident, supported, and welcomed when flying.