Qatar Airways 1st A380 to arrive early June: CEO

Al-Baker addressing the media in Dubai yesterday. Right: The Qatar Airways stand at the ATM in Dubai.

Qatar Airways’ first Airbus A380-800 will arrive in early June, CEO Akbar al-Baker said in Dubai yesterday. The national airline has placed orders for 13 A380s.

Al-Baker yesterday updated the media on the airline’s expansion plans and the newly opened Hamad International Airport in Doha on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai.

Featuring a three-class configuration of seating in first, business and economy over two decks, the A380 is the largest passenger jet in the world and will provide a superior traveller experience to the airline’s customers.

“Qatar Airways is making news yet again with the newly opened Hamad International Airport and the anticipated arrival of the airline’s first A380 early next month.

“This is indeed an exciting year and a new chapter for Qatar Airways as we will move our entire hub operations to the Hamad International Airport on May 27. We also eagerly await the delivery of the world’s largest passenger jet and have no doubts that our new A380s will play a key role in our strategic expansion plans, and will help expand the onboard capacity – in the full comfort and luxury that our passengers expect,” al-Baker said.

During the ATM, al-Baker unveiled the A380’s new first class seat in the Middle East for the first time. The product offers a seat pitch just over 2.2m-long and can be converted into a fully flat bed. In addition, the seat unit, the widest in the industry, allows for access to a 26-inch screen with a variety of entertainment options. There is also a “privacy” screen, increased personal storage as well as the ability for two passengers to sit across from each other while dining.

Qatar Airways has plans to significantly expand its fleet with 300 additional aircraft, worth more than $60bn, on order including, 80 Airbus A350s, 13 Airbus A330 Freighters, 60 Boeing 787s, 13 Boeing 777s (including freighters), 50 Boeing 777x, 80 Airbus A320s Neos and 13 Airbus A380-800s.

Qatar Airways is also the first Airbus customer to receive the newly-launched Airbus A350 long-range, twin-engine, wide-bodied jet. This new airliner represents the latest generation of passenger aircraft, designed for optimised fuel consumption, lower operating costs, and increased environmental efficiencies.

The airline is also introducing a new daily all premium business class service from its hub in Doha to London Heathrow. The new service will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, commencing from May 15, with an Airbus A319 aircraft fitted with an all business class, single aisle, 2–2 seating configuration offering 40 seats.