Qatar Airways has operated its first Boeing 787-9 commercial flight which features a brand new business class. The flight took off in Doha (DOH), bound for Milan Malpensa (MXP), on June 25. Let’s have a look at what the new aircraft and cabin have to offer.
Specifics of the new plane
The brand new B787-9 welcomes 311 passengers in two different classes, 30 in business class and 281 in the economy. The plane is scheduled to connect Doha to cities in Europe and Asia, among which we find Athens, Barcelona, Dammam, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid and Milan.
The 787-9 offers more space on board in terms of comfort, both to business and economy class passengers. Furthermore, the new plane of the Qatar fleet represents another milestone in Qatar’s efforts to reach the highest levels of sustainability and zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The new Business Class
The much-awaited new business class is arranged in a herringbone layout in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each suite has direct access to the aisle and is provided with a privacy sliding door to offer the ultimate level of privacy and comfort. Those seated in the adjoining central suites can slide the privacy door away to create their own private space. This feature makes adjoining suites in the centre of the cabin the perfect seats for couples travelling together. Moreover, each seat can be turned into a 79″ fully flat seat. Last but not least, every passenger can stow their mobile phone in a phone holder equipped with a wireless charging technology that is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
At the centre of the new business class concept, there is the award-winning Qatar Airways’ onboard service. During the flight, premium passengers can choose from a variety of international cuisine, food and beverages, as well as vegan meal options, which are part of the à la carte dine-on-demand menu. Furthermore, passengers will receive complimentary amenities from the world’s most renowned fashion brands, including Narumi, BRIC’S, Diptyque, TWG Tea, Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio and The White Company to name but a few.
Qatar’s fleet and network
Qatar Airways is investing in a modern, environmentally-friendly and flexible fleet, one of the youngest in the sky. Notably, the fleet’s flexibility has made it possible for the carrier to continue flying even during lower demand induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the impact of the pandemic, Qatar Airways has decided to ground the four-engined Airbus A380 for good, considering it neither commercially nor environmentally suitable to meet the needs of the current market. For now, Qatar relies on a long-haul fleet of 53 Airbus A350 and 37 B787, which are flying to strategic destinations in Africa, the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions.
Also, the carrier is currently rebuilding its network, which is now made up of 140 destinations worldwide. Moreover, Qatar Airways has been the first global airline to receive the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by the international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. This recognition is a strategic asset for an international airline in a turbulent period for the industry, like the one we are witnessing. Indeed, passengers are now prioritising the safety and health measures put in place by airlines and airports when choosing the carrier they are going to fly with.
What do you think of the brand new addition to the Qatar Airways fleet and its onboard products? Let us know in the comments below!
