Qatar Airways began commercial services using its brand new Boeing 787 aircraft yesterday.
The airline debuted its new twin-aisle aircraft on the Doha–Dubai route, offering four daily peak-time flights between the two Gulf cities.
Qatar Airways has orders for 60 Dreamliners, with the next four due to be delivered by the end of December.
“Today signifies an exciting and hugely anticipated occasion for Qatar Airways, as well as the global aviation industry. It is with enormous pride for my country, our employees and myself that we are embarking on another momentous achievement for our award-winning airline with the introduction of 787 passenger flights. The Dreamliner is yet another first for Qatar Airways, our customers and for the Middle East aviation industry,” said the airline’s CEO, Akbar Al Baker.
“Dubai is one of our most popular routes and we felt it important to give our passengers in and around our neighbouring city an opportunity to experience the comforts of our new plane before it begins long-haul commercial services,” he added.
Following the Dubai conclusion of Dubai flights on 31 January 2013, the 787 will operate on one of the airline’s five daily flights to London Heathrow. As more 787s join the fleet in the next few weeks, Dreamliner flights will be rolled out to other long-haul routes including Zurich, Frankfurt and Delhi.
Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner features 254 seats in two classes – business and economy – along with wireless connectivity, touch screen Android in-flight entertainment systems, power outlets and USB ports.
