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A major airline has announced it is introducing a huge new change - and it'll be free to passengers. Qantashas added 12 new A350 aircraft to its fleet, bringing with them in-flight 'wellbeing zones' - the first airline in the world to do so.

The new planes will be used from early next year for ultra-long flights between Sydney, London and New York. A study by the Australian airline and the University of Sydney looked into how lighting, movement, hydration, meal timing and cabin layout could reduce jetlag and fatigue on ultra-long-haul flights.

It found that moving from one's aeroplane seat is a physiological and psychological need and shouldn't be hindered by affordability. The free-to-use wellbeing zoneswill be between economy and premium economy, designed to be relaxing "third spaces" with acoustic materials and soft, ambient lighting.

The zones are part of Qantas' Project Sunrise, which aims to take a holistic approach to passenger wellness. There are areas for stretching, on-screen exercise programmes and refreshment stations with healthy drinks and snacks.

There will be circadian-rhythm lighting scenes such as Sunrise, Sunset, and Awake, to help travellers adjust to destination time zones and reduce jetlag.

First class will receive six enclosed suites, designed to resemble hotel rooms, and business class will offer a suite with a sliding door for privacy and a two-metre bed.

Premium economy will have new seats with a 40-inch pitch and a unique cradle recline, and economy seats will get an added inch to their pitch and upgraded cushions.

"We have spent just as much time on the second half of the aircraft as we did the front; in fact, we started studies on the Wellbeing Zone before any other area of the A350," former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said about the project.

"The new Project Sunrise flights give us the opportunity to rethink long-haul travel in its entirety, from aircraft cabin design to what ingredients we include on the in-flight menu."