Qatar Airways, the Middle East launch customer of the Boeing 787, will have its first Dreamliner taking to the skies in a public flying display for the first time at Farnborough International Air Show.The aircraft is scheduled to participate in a hallmark feature of the air show calendar - the afternoon flying programme, Qatar Airways said in a statement.The seven-minute demonstration flights will showcase the “sophisticated engineering and visual appeal” of the aircraft.The aerial display also marks the first-ever, and much anticipated, Dreamliner flying demonstration at an international aerospace event. Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787 is scheduled to take to the skies between 4pm and 4.30pm (GMT) on the first three days of the air show starting today. The aircraft will also be on “static display” before taking to the skies.The take-off, landing, visual appeal of the airplane in flight and its quiet performance will be watched closely by thousands of visitors expected to attend Farnborough during the first three days of the show.Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar al-Baker, who will officially unveil the Dreamliner to the international media today, said: “We are thrilled to showcase Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner at Farnborough this year and the debut of our Boeing 787 in Qatar Airways’ livery marks a significant milestone for our airline.”“The first of our 60 Boeing 787s on order will set new standards in service and excellence as we continue to grow aggressively, bringing a heightened level of luxury and state-of-the-art engineering to the skies with these new-generation aircraft.”Qatar Airways worked closely with Boeing to have custom-made seats fitted on the aircraft thus offering space and comfort to passengers. The seat configuration makes Qatar Airways an industry leader with innovative design a hallmark of the interiors. Business class is configured 1-2-1, featuring seats that convert into fully flat horizontal beds, while economy class has a 3-3-3 cabin layout. Qatar Airways’ new 787s feature a total of 254 seats in a two-class configuration of 22 in business and 232 in economy.Upon entering service, Qatar Airways’ first 787 will initially operate on intra-Gulf routes before making its maiden long-haul commercial flight between Doha and London Heathrow. Those interested can visit
www.youtube.com/qatarairways for air-to-air footage of Qatar Airways’ 787 during its validation flight at Farnborough, courtesy of Flightglobal.