We test Adelaide’s new jet on claims it reduces jet lag

WHEN Qatar Airways starts a daily service from Adelaide next month, flying the first A350-XWB used in Australia, it will be a service said to reduce jet lag — we try it out.

IT’S claimed to be the jet that beats jet lag – and a test ride on the Qatar Airways new generation Airbus A350-XWB shows it lives up to the flying hype.

Adelaide will be the first city in Australia to welcome the A350 – from any airline – when Qatar Airways starts a daily service to Doha from May 3.

The airline already flies from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth but uses larger Boeing 777s on those routes, giving Adelaide the honour of having the world’s newest commercial jet as its aircraft of choice.

So how does she fly?

After a trip of almost eight hours from Singapore to Doha on the A350, I arrived feeling fresh instead of flat, noticeably more chipper than after a similar flight time from Adelaide to Singapore on an excellent but different aircraft the previous day.

In all honesty, I can’t say I had no jet lag but it was definitely less than usual.

Instead of feeling tired and wanting to flop, I was ready for a night out exploring the bustling Souq Waqif market for bargains and strolling the waterfront of the former pearling village where gleaming skyscrapers overlook fishermen in traditional dhows.

Qatar Airways begins its A350 service into Adelaide from next month.

For South Australians, less jet lag will be a significant drawcard when Qatar Airways starts its daily service next month. The direct flight is a 13-hour journey, with the likelihood of a connection on to one of the airline’s more than 130 destinations, such as those in Europe – a long haul flight in anyone’s language.

A variety of factors combine to reduce the jaded feeling of jet lag:

THE aircraft is largely made of lightweight composite materials. This allows cabin pressure to be reduced by about 25 per cent, easing strain on passengers;

CORROSION-resistant materials also allow a relatively high rate of humidity in the cabin, reducing that tiring “dried out’’ feeling;

AIR is purified every two minutes, and state-of-the-art air-conditioning eliminates sudden gusts and chills that has people reaching for a blanket;

THE “XWB’’ in the name stands for Xtra Wide Body – the plane is wider than comparable aircraft, with more leg room and width;

IN Economy, the A350 is the first aircraft to have the entertainment electronics built into the seats rather than metal boxes under some seats, resulting in more foot room;

AN LED system with 16.7 million combinations allows mood lighting simulating natural phases of the day to lull passengers into coping with time changes a little better;

THE tapered wing design makes for a remarkably quiet aircraft – 15 decibels below the regulatory standard.

The overall effect is a comfortable, quiet flight which is not too taxing on the body. But there’s more.

Brad Crouch aboard a Qatar Airways A350. He said he wasn’t jetlagged upon arrival into Doha from Singapore. Picture supplied.

Powered by two Rolls Royce engines, the fuel-efficient aircraft has two classes: Business with 36 seats in a 1-2-1 combination, and Economy with 247 seats in three rows of three.

Entry via Business amply shows the XWB effect. Unlike Economy, there are no rows of overhead luggage bins down the middle of this cabin, creating an immediate feeling of spaciousness. At 1.8 metres (six foot in the old money), and standing on tippy toes, I could not touch the ceiling.

The overhead luggage bins running down each side are ample and lift upwards instead of slamming downwards, adding to the spaceship effect.

Qatar Airways A350 business class configuration. Picture supplied.

The entry also serves as a lobby – instead of seats or a galley, this is an open area with curved counters for self-serve drinks and nibbles once airborne, where you can stretch your legs and chat with fellow travellers. And, yes, they do serve booze as well as “mocktails” — non-alcoholic cocktails.

Seats in Business are a little like a personal pod – a seat almost like a lounge chair has 14 settings, including a 2m fully flat bed. There are lacquered wood side tables, an entertainment system with 17-inch HD screen and more than 1000 options, noise cancelling headphones and Armani toiletries.

Qatar Airways Airbus A350 economy class. Picture supplied.

The single seats down each side are angled towards the panoramic windows, the two adjoining seats in the centre are angled inward with a divider screen – up for privacy, down for company. Each seat has handy storage containers for personal items – but don’t forget your iPad when disembarking!

Meals from an a la carte menu are served to order rather than arriving at set times from a trolley.

Economy is not as fancy but when it comes to cattle class, this is wagyu. There are good-sized windows, a smaller entertainment screen but the same entertainment options, as much if not more space than other economy flights, and all the same factors at work to combat jet lag.

Outside Doha’s bustling Souq Waqif market. Picture: Brad Crouch

The flights will arrive from Doha at 4.25pm and depart at 9.30pm.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell says the flights will be worth $41 million a year to the economy, create 228 jobs, fuel inbound tourism and provide a direct freight route to Doha and beyond for South Australian produce, including seafood.

Jet lag aside, for South Australians thinking about an overseas trip, this service adds luxury competition for daily flights at a time airfares are falling to record lows.

â–  Brad Crouch was a guest of Qatar Airways

Originally published as We test Adelaide’s new jet on claims it reduces jet lag