DELIVERY OF THE AIRCRAFT
Qatar Airways celebrated the delivery of the world’s first Airbus A350-1000 to Qatar as the aircraft’s global launch customer before an audience of international media at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France. The Airbus is the first aircraft to be fitted with the revolutionary Qsuite Business Class seat.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, hosted a press conference in Toulouse to mark the delivery of the spectacular state-of-the-art aircraft to Qatar Airways, in the presence of Airbus President and Chief Operating Officer, Fabrice Brégier and President of Defence Aerospace Rolls-Royce, Chris Chorleton.
Qatar’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of Qatar Airways Group, Ali Shareef Al Emadi, said that this is a very proud day for Qatar.
The Airbus A350-1000 will be a wonderful addition to our national carrier’s fleet, allowing Qatar Airways to continue to set the highest standards of excellence and quality in the industry. Today’s delivery is a testament to Qatar Airways’ commitment to continued expansion.’
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said they always demand the very best for their customers.
This remarkable state-of-the-art aircraft will be the first of 42 to be flown on our expanding global route network. It will become a firm part of the Qatar Airways fleet, making us the biggest operator in the world of this aircraft type and maintain our status as flying one of the youngest fleets in the sky, with an average age of just five years.
Airbus President and Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Brégier said that the A350-1000 brings major advantages in fuel and cost efficiency along with unmatched passenger comfort
The A350-1000 is the ideal aircraft to showcase Qatar Airways’ legendary customer service. With its greater capacity compared to the A350-900, the newest widebody will play a major role on the carrier’s busiest long-haul routes and will contribute to strengthen their position at the forefront of the aviation industry.’
The A350-1000 is the latest member of the Airbus wide-body aircraft portfolio. As the global launch customer, Qatar Airways will be the first airline to fly the A350-1000, which will go into service on the Doha-London route this month. Qatar Airways operates six daily flights between Doha and London Heathrow Airport. The airline was also the global launch customer for the A350-900 in 2014 and now operates 21 in its fleet.
Compared to the A350-900, the A350-1000 features 44 extra seats, with a two-class cabin of 46 award-winning Qsuite Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, featuring 80-inch fully flat beds and 22-inch HD in-flight entertainment screens. This will include 46 suites, with the middle suites able to convert to six double beds, and six quad suites. Economy Class will contain 281 seats, each 18-inches wide in a 3-3-3 configuration, with up to a 32-inch pitch. Each individual seat will feature an 11.6-inch in-flight entertainment screen, and extra space at shoulder level for passengers in window seats, thanks to the nearly vertical side wall panels. It offers enhanced levels of passenger comfort, thanks to the lowest twin-engine noise level of any aircraft, advanced air conditioning technology and full LED mood lighting.
Aviation fans all over the world widely talked about the #Firstin1000 on social media.
TOUCHDOWN IN DOHA
Following the global launch of the world’s most advanced passenger aircraft featuring the revolutionary Qsuite Business Class seat, a grand ceremony was prepared to welcome the newest Qatar Airways Airbus 350-1000 at the Hamad International Airport. The event also commences the commercial operation of the state-of-the-art aircraft.
After performing a celebratory fly-by over Doha’s Corniche, the arrival of the aircraft from the Airbus production facility in Toulouse, France, was greeted by a celebratory water cannon salute. The National Carrier of the State of Qatar is the global launch customer for the A350-1000, the world’s most advanced passenger aircraft, fitted with the revolutionary Qsuite Business Class seat. The new A350-1000 will go into full commercial service on the airline’s Doha-London route, offering six flights a day between Qatar and the United Kingdom’s capital.
VIPS were entertained with a glittering cultural evening in Toulouse the night before the aircraft’s arrival in Doha, in celebration of the delivery of the new aircraft. They were also offered a tour of the new aircraft.
For more information about Qatar Airways, visit their website at qatarairways.com.