Qatar Airways yesterday unveiled new business and economy class seats for its Boeing 787 aircraft with space, comfort and a revamped in-flight entertainment system being key features of the airliner that will be inducted into the fleet this summer.
Al-Baker displaying a 787 seat
The first of several key service enhancements to be announced over the next few months, Qatar Airways’ new 787 seats promise to deliver a whole new passenger travel experience across both cabins with the industry’s newest aircraft.
The Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit, together with other VIPs, joined Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker for the official unveiling of the seats on the opening day of ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel fair taking place in the German capital this week.
The seats are a central feature of Qatar Airways’ new-look exhibition stand, which is making its debut at the five-day event.
The new 787s will feature a total of 254 seats in a two-class configuration of 22 in business class and 232 in economy.
A striking feature of every seat throughout the aircraft will be the award-winning touch screen Android technology control units that will debut on the 787s.
Passengers can be fully connected through WiFi and GSM telephony, sending both text and MMS messages. Voice calls, although possible, will be disabled to minimise passenger disruption.
With a 1–2–1 configuration in business class, the layout features two less seats than competitors on conventional wide body aircraft, more typical of a first class cabin where each passenger is assured of direct aisle access.
The seats designed exclusively for Qatar Airways, offer considerable personal space – almost double than existing business cabins – allowing passengers to sit back and relax in a 22-inch wide armchair that converts at a touch of a button into different cradle positions before reaching an extremely generous 80-inch long, 30-inch wide flat bed offering exceptional legroom.
Armrests can be fully adjusted to different heights to complement different body positions while dining, reading, working or resting.
The seats, produced by B/E Aerospace, also feature generous 17-inch personal touch screen TV monitors.
In economy class, configured 3–3–3, the Recaro-produced seats embody the very latest in design technology and materials assuring all passengers have a high degree comfort and personal space.
Featuring one less seat per row than competitors on other wide body aircraft, the economy seats promise to offer a totally different travel experience.
With seven inches of recline, both the seat cushion and backrest adjust to ‘cradle’ the passenger into greater comfort while the slim-line seat design set at a pitch of 32 inches, together with a 16.9-inch width, offers more personal space than ever before.
The adjustable hammock-style headrest allows passengers to comfortably support their head while resting.
Each economy class seat is fitted with 10.6-inch seat back TV monitors.
With Wi-Fi and GSM telephony options, all passengers throughout the aircraft can always be in touch with the ground during their flight.
Personal power ports are available in every seat, equipped with USB, MP3 and other charger ports, including laptop power outlets.
There are also iPort connectors that enable iPod and iPhone content to be displayed on passengers’ mini TVs.
Al-Baker said: “As we prepare to take delivery of our first Boeing 787 just months away, we are delighted to announce today a whole new passenger travel experience with the unveiling of our brand new seats that will be on board the world’s newest aircraft. Space, comfort and ensuring our passengers have the best on board entertainment options are key elements of our new Boeing 787s, promising to set new benchmarks in air travel. Qatar Airways has taken a lot of time and effort in ensuring we are true leaders in the field rather than followers, meticulously working with manufacturers on specific seat design and features.
Qatar Airways is the first Middle East customer of the Boeing 787, with 60 aircraft on order, including options. The Doha-based airline is preparing to take delivery of five 787s during 2012.