In recent months, airlines have revealed their latest offerings in the premium classes with the delivery of new aircrafts. As the industry enjoys profitable returns and with new aircraft types like the Dreamliner and Airbus A350 entering the market, carriers are retrofitting their premium cabins with impressive results.
There are many who would question the profitability of first and business class cabins, particularly in long-haul travel, indeed premium economy has often proved more cost-effective. But for the airlines it’s not so much about revenue as it is about ‘keeping up appearances’ – in short, it’s all about the image. Although the economy sections rarely vary in concept and design from carrier to carrier, passengers like the idea of flying with a premium airline with the latest airframe and cutting-edge inflight technology.
So the offerings become more awe-inspiring, more over-the-top, but above all more desirable as major carriers contest for the attention of the small percentage who travel in the premium classes. In this series, we take a look at the airlines who are leading the race in business class on their latest aircrafts…and we kick it off with Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways
On the 16th of this month, Qatar Airways took delivery of its first two Airbus A380s (see story here). Though much delayed, the business class production is in keeping with what can be expected from an airline with a fondness for opulence, and was well-worth the wait.
The upper deck is home to the 48 business class seats on board the superjumbo, indeed occupying most of the area, and the seats are almost identical to the ones found on Qatar’s Boeing 787. The impressive seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration meaning direct aisle access for every seat. The window seats are angled outwards towards the windows and ‘the view’ rather than forwards, and the middle seats are angled towards the centre.
Much thought has been given to the innovative design which incorporates everything from space, comfort to style. The 22-inch wide seat reclines to an 80-inch fully-flat bed and there is plenty of space for everything. Apart from ample leg-room, there is also generous storage from the two side tables, to the deep bin perfect for storing shoes, to the water bottle compartment that also stows the noise-cancelling headphones, to the large table that easily holds a laptop with still plenty of room around it. The cabin is in Qatar colours with mood-lighting adding to the essence of relaxation and comfort.
The sizeable lounge can be found tucked away towards the rear of the upper deck, and can easily accommodate over a dozen guests either sitting or standing. The bar is a snaking centrepiece with several deep, sinuous and very comfortable benches to sink into.
The inflight entertainment can be enjoyed on a large 19-inch HD touchscreen display, which comes with a controller housed in the edge of the main table and is also touchscreen. The system is very user-friendly with the ability to display one program on the main screen and another on the hand set.
The dining experience is on-demand and a la carte, where passengers can choose from a full meal or snack service any time you please from an extensive menu that features a signature Caviar service and tantalising Laduree desserts. Build your own breakfast and sample a wide selection of premium wines and champagne round out the dining fare.
Qatar Airways has 10 Airbus A380s on order and are expecting to take delivery of two more by the end of the year.
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