Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner

[Johan Z 0]

http://www.aviationw..._medium=twitter

 

Cirrus seats like US and CX.

[Michael Chai 0]

Window access seems a bit hard if wanna take photos from it.

[Isaac 0]

According to people in A.net, there will be 22 J seats and 240 Y seats. So it is fairly obvious that Y is in 3-3-3.

[Johan Z 0]

Y seat width will be 16.9 inch? Qatar is known for their comfort and luxurious cabin. But their Y cabin in 787 will be far from this. I wonder if SQ will go for 9- or 8- abreast.

[Isaac 0]

The Y in 3-3-3 will have 17.2" of seat width just like the Y seat width on all 747. The aisle width will be slightly larger than those 777 configured with 10 seats across in Y.

[Suzanne Goh 0]

Window access seems a bit hard if wanna take photos from it.

 

Actually, with Cathay's cirrus , it's VERY pleasant to look out of the window because it's pretty much at a very nice angle because you don't have to bend your neck or turn your head. It's a bit far away, but just lean a bit forward and you can take pics nicely.

[Johan Z 0]

The Y in 3-3-3 will have 17.2" of seat width just like the Y seat width on all 747. The aisle width will be slightly larger than those 777 configured with 10 seats across in Y.

 

From QR website:

 

"With 7 inches of recline, both the seat cushion and backrest adjust to ‘cradle’ the passenger into greater comfort. 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"

 

 

 

http://www.qatarairways.com/english_global/press-release.page?pr_id=pressrelease_pressrelease_2012030

Worse than 747...

[Isaac 0]

From QR website:

 

"With 7 inches of recline, both the seat cushion and backrest adjust to ‘cradle’ the passenger into greater comfort. 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"

 

http://www.qatarairways.com/english_global/press-release.page?pr_id=pressrelease_pressrelease_2012030

 

Worse than 747...

May be the one QR ordered is just smaller because the 787 can actually still offer 17.2" of seat width in 3-3-3 across.

[Mushrif A 3]

Now compare these new QR seats that will be introduced this year with MH's new biz seats on the 380 that will also be introduced this year.

 

MH's already looks dated.

[Izanee 0]

MAS is well known for being reactive rather than proactive. I don't know why even after so many years they still haven't sussed out that they need to be ahead of the rivals if they want to win back premium pax.

[alberttky 0]

Qatar Airways boss Akbar Al Baker is losing patience with Boeing over its failure to begin deliveries of the airline's 787, as delays are now threatening its network growth.

The Doha-based airline's first 787 made its public debut at Farnborough in July and was expected to be handed over to Qatar Airways by late August. However, as a result of what Al Baker describes as "a creeping delivery date", the handover has still not taken place, forcing the airline to delay plans to introduce the twinjet on international services to London.

This had been slated to begin in September, and five 787s were due to be delivered by the end of the year.

 

Qatar Airways is adding five new routes to its network in the coming months but Al Baker tells Flightglobal that further expansion has been stymied by the delays. "Others [routes] we will have to delay due to the 787 deliveries, which is very disappointing to Qatar Airways," he says.

"We are now at the mercy of the manufacturer of the 787 to fulfil our growth, which is very difficult for us to digest as we never thought we would have been failed so badly by Boeing," he adds.

With no firm delivery date currently in sight, Al Baker says the airline "now has to look at all our options".

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/routes-al-baker-blasts-boeings-failure-over-787-deliveries-377099/

 

What else is new... I won't be surprised to see Boeing collude with Airbus to delay deliveries to him.

[alberttky 0]

Qatar Airways discusses A330 deal in wake of 787 delay

 

 

Frustrated by endless delays to its Boeing 787 delivery schedule, Qatar Airways is understood to have initiated discussions with Airbus about a major A330 deal.

 

Chief executive Akbar Al Baker has been vocal about being "failed by Boeing" over 787 deliveries, which were due to begin in late August but still have not started as a result of unspecified technical issues.

 

Qatar Airways has 30 787s on order, and had been expecting to introduce its first five this year, with deliveries slated to continue through 2013 and 2014. But with its 787 deliveries in limbo and Qatar facing a potential capacity shortage, Flightglobal has learnt that talks have begun with Airbus for up to 24 A330s. The airline is seeking deliveries from mid-2013.

 

Al Baker confirms to Flightglobal that his 787s have been subject to "a creeping delivery date", but will not be drawn on the Airbus talks, saying: "We are going to look at all our options but I don't wish to discuss these."

 

http://www.flightglo...7-delay-377158/

Edited October 2, 2012 by alberttky

[Waiping 12]

What else is new... I won't be surprised to see Boeing collude with Airbus to delay deliveries to him.

 

I like that! Unless they wanted to buy Chinese make models.

[flee 5]

Airport construction delays as well as aircraft delivery delays really make life very difficult for airline planning departments. Al Baker has every right to give Boeing a piece of his mind!

[flee 5]

Qatar Airways discusses A330 deal in wake of 787 delay

 

Frustrated by endless delays to its Boeing 787 delivery schedule, Qatar Airways is understood to have initiated discussions with Airbus about a major A330 deal.

 

Chief executive Akbar Al Baker has been vocal about being "failed by Boeing" over 787 deliveries, which were due to begin in late August but still have not started as a result of unspecified technical issues.

 

Qatar Airways has 30 787s on order, and had been expecting to introduce its first five this year, with deliveries slated to continue through 2013 and 2014. But with its 787 deliveries in limbo and Qatar facing a potential capacity shortage, Flightglobal has learnt that talks have begun with Airbus for up to 24 A330s. The airline is seeking deliveries from mid-2013.

 

Al Baker confirms to Flightglobal that his 787s have been subject to "a creeping delivery date", but will not be drawn on the Airbus talks, saying: "We are going to look at all our options but I don't wish to discuss these."

 

Source: http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/qatar-airways-discusses-a330-deal-in-wake-of-787-delay-377158/

[BC Tam 2]

..... Al Baker has every right to give Boeing a piece of his mind!

Yup, every right indeed

Probably accords him a degree or two advantage in future negotiations with manufacturer B, certainly manufacturer A will be milking circumstances to the max (in chinese terminology, adding salt and applying vinegar )

But will that outburst contribute any way towards accelerating their 787 deliveries ? Doubt it, likely minimal effect at best

Mr Baker will also likely be aware that if he burns bridges with manufacturer B in this instance, he will be at mercy of manufacturer B for time to come

In conclusion - wayang (show) time !

[flee 5]

Sometimes it is better to talk less and act more. It looks like they do need the aircraft and getting A330s (like SQ did) to provide the needed capacity is a no brainer for them.

 

With hindsight, that SQ A333 lease deal was one piece of genius. Now they do not have to worry of the indefinite B787 delays.

 

Perhaps QF is also doing the right thing cancelling their B787-9 order. That will free them to restructure their fleet in accordance with their new business plans.

[Isaac 0]

With hindsight, that SQ A333 lease deal was one piece of genius. Now they do not have to worry of the indefinite B787 delays.

And the indefinite delay of A350 too.

[BC Tam 2]

Mr Baker will also likely be aware that if he burns bridges with manufacturer B in this instance, he will be at mercy of manufacturer B A for time to come

Apologies for typo error

[xtemujin 0]

Qatar refuses to take Dreamliners over engine defect

3 October 2012 Wednesday | 10:32AM

 

 

Qatar Airways will not take delivery of Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner until an engine defect is modified, its chief executive said on Tuesday.

 

Qatar has placed orders for 60 Dreamliners - 30 firm and an option for 30 more - and selected General Electric Co's new-generation GEnx engine for the aircraft.

 

"The 787 has an engine with new technology. However, there has been a material defect in the engine which now needs replacement and inspection," Akbar Al-Baker said after a speech in the Qatari capital Doha.

 

"We have informed Boeing that we will not take delivery until the 787s have the new modified shaft," said Baker, who has often been outspoken about planemakers Airbus and Boeing and other industry issues.

 

GE, the world's largest maker of jet engines, said last month it was investigating a second failure of the GEnx jet engine after a Boeing freighter aircraft aborted a takeoff in China.

 

It was the second incident involving a GEnx engine since July, when an engine on a jet being tested before delivery in South Carolina failed due to cracking in a fan shaft.

 

The US National Transportation Safety Board said last week that unlike the engine that failed in South Carolina, the one that failed in Shanghai showed no cracking in the shaft.

 

A GE spokesman said on Tuesday that the company has inspected GEnx engines it has delivered. The conglomerate has also changed the way it manufacturers the engine.

 

"GE is working very closely with its customers as the GEnx fleet is being very successfully managed in the field with regards to the fan mid-shaft issue," GE spokesman Rick Kennedy said. "The entire fleet in operation has been inspected with no issues."

 

Qatar Airways, established in 1993, has a fleet of 111 aircraft, with 214 planes on order, including options.

 

ONEWORLD MEMBERSHIP?

 

Baker also said Qatar was not preparing to join the oneworld alliance after sources close to the airline group said that next week it would become the first Gulf carrier to join.

 

Alliances were formed in the 1990s to help airlines benefit from each other's marketing and routes in the face of tightly controlled bilateral traffic rights. So far the Gulf carriers have refrained from joining as they build up big networks alone.

 

"Qatar Airways is not considering joining oneworld at this time," Baker said.

 

Earlier on Tuesday sources close to the alliance said Qatar Airways would be unveiled as the group's latest member at a news conference in New York planned for Monday.

 

Baker added he was not going to New York this weekend.

 

Oneworld, which is the smallest of the three global alliances and includes IAG's British Airways and American Airlines, said it would not comment on speculation about a forthcoming event.

 

Baker said he was in favor of the proposed $US45 billion merger of EADS and BAE Systems, arguing a combined entity would make better products.

Airbus parent EADS and BAE Systems are battling to save their tie-up, which would create a European aerospace and defense giant, amid competing government interests.

 

"It will make them strong," Baker said. "They're coming back together because staying apart was not in their best interest. They can provide better products and customer service together."

 

Baker said he was content with the Airbus A380 superjumbos after the manufacturer moved to address wing crack problems.

In April, the Gulf carrier deferred delivery of the aircraft, saying it wanted more details on cracks found in a handful of wing components of most aircraft in service.

 

Qatar, which struck an inter-airline partnership agreement with short-haul Canadian carrier Porter Airlines in August, is still eyeing Bombardier's C-series jets.

 

Reuters

 

Read more: http://www.smh.com.a...l#ixzz28CfSujjl

Edited October 3, 2012 by xtemujin

[Cire 0]

Qatar air may face shortage of capacity as it rapidly expands its network currently.

It is the best time now to tap on the lucrative China and Asia-Pac regions as folks here are getting more affluent resulting from a rapid economic boom in their own countries. As the economic temperature cools down gradually, more and more folks will want to enjoy the fruit of their labor, and what's better way to do it than to travel abroad.

 

Qatar Air is like having a Mercedes Benz E-Class limousine to take you briskly to your destinations without fuss and hustle. Quick and swift without costing a bomb and yet still enjoy the luxurious travel comfort.

Edited October 3, 2012 by Cire

[Waiping 12]

Qatar Air is like having a Mercedes Benz E-Class limousine to take you briskly to your destinations without fuss and hustle. Quick and swift without costing a bomb and yet still enjoy the luxurious travel comfort.

 

The only problem is the E-class has been much abused that the next passenger may not feel as comfy as the previous one.

 

[alberttky 0]

Qatar Airways receives first Boeing 787

 

 

Qatar Airways has finally completed acceptance of its first Boeing 787-8, around six weeks later than expected.

 

The airline completed title transfer of 787 registration A7-BCB (MSN 38320) on 5 October, which is the first of 30 General Electric GEnx-powered 787s it has on firm order. Qatar has an additional 30 options and intends to operate a mix of 787-8s and -9s.

 

The first 787 is understood to have been positioned to Victorville for interior work prior to returning to Seattle for a formal hand-over to the airline.

 

When Qatar Airways displayed its first 787 at Farnborough in July it expected delivery to take place by the end of August to enable services to begin in September. However deliveries have been delayed due to unspecified technical issues.

 

Qatar chief executive Akbar Al Baker recently expressed his frustration that the "creeping delivery date" was hampering the airline's growth plans.

 

http://www.flightglo...ing-787-377369/

Edited October 8, 2012 by alberttky

[zeqa 1]

http://dohanews.co/post/35624672146/qatar-airways-takes-delivery-of-its-first-boeing-787

 

 

Qatar Airways has taken delivery of its first 787 from Boeing in a ceremony in Seattle.

The aircraft is expected to arrive in Doha tomorrow.

The airline has announced that the plane’s first flight will be to Dubai, and that it will begin flying to London’s Heathrow on December the 1st. It’s also expected to fly to Delhi and Zurich.

Qatar Airways’ 787s will be the first Dreamliners to have wifi installed on board.

The 787 cabin is pressurized at an altitude of 6,000 feet, 2000 feet lower than similar aircraft, which should make it a more comfortable experience for passengers. It also has bigger windows fitted with digital window tinting rather than blinds, and higher humidity in the cabin than is normal, too.

Its interior has 254 seats in two classes - 22 in Business and 232 in Economy.

Boeing has handed over three 787s to Qatar Airways, but only one is currently ready - the other two are still having modifications made to their in-flight entertainment systems in the USA.

Qatar has placed 30 firm Dreamliner orders and an option for 30 more.

The aircraft has an official price tag of $193.5 million, although the airline is likely to have negotiated a deal, given the size of their order.

The aircraft’s arrival is significantly delayed, having initially been promised in August.

Earlier this week, the airline posted this video on Facebook and YouTube, showing the manufacturing of the aircraft in just 3 minutes. Pretty cool!

 

 

Read more: http://dohanews.co/post/35624672146/qatar-airways-takes-delivery-of-its-first-boeing-787#ixzz2C8EF8DWc

[Cire 0]

Qatar Airways currently has orders worth over US$50 billion for more than 250 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s and A320 Family of aircraft. In addition to winning Skytrax’s prestigious Airline of the Year 2011 and 2012, Qatar Airways was named Best Airline in the Middle East for the seventh year in a row, and its Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport was named Best Premium Service Airport for the second consecutive year in 2012. Skytrax is the only global independent passenger survey monitoring airline standards and is considered the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the airline industry. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com

 

14/11/2012

 

Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways today celebrated yet another historic milestone as its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed on home turf in Doha greeted by hundreds of cheering onlookers.

 

Proudly viewing Qatar Airways' new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which arrived in Doha today, is the State of Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, being shown the aircraft by the airline's CEO Akbar Al Baker.

 

The State of Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani was among the many visitors to the aircraft soon after it touched down in the country.

VIPs, media, airline and airport staff, together with passengers watched with excitement as Qatar Airways’ brand new state-of-the-art Dreamliner swooped into Doha International Airport marking the start of a new era in Middle East aviation.

Qatar Airways is the region’s 787 launch customer with 60 aircraft on order for delivery in phases over the next few years.

Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who was onboard the delivery flight, was joined by almost 100 passengers privileged to be on the maiden 13-hour journey direct from Seattle, the US west coast home of American aircraft manufacturer Boeing. Those onboard included international media, senior management from Qatar Airways and Boeing, as well as third party suppliers from companies involved in the 787 project.

The 787 will spend a few days positioned at Doha International Airport giving staff an opportunity to tour the aircraft before it enters commercial service for a few weeks on selected Doha – Dubai flights from November 20 and then deployed long-haul on one of the five daily London Heathrow services.

Seats on the 787 Doha – Dubai flights are now bookable online at qatarairways.com, through any Qatar Airways reservation office or local travel agent.

 

Qatar's Prime Minister tours Dreamliner

 

As more 787s join the fleet over the next few weeks, the aircraft will be inducted on other long-haul routes including Zurich, Frankfurt and Delhi.

Upon arrival in Doha, Al Baker hosted a press conference at which he spoke of his pride and joy on behalf of Qatar Airways of the world’s most advanced passenger aircraft joining the airline’s rapidly growing fleet that now totals 112 jetliners.

“This truly is an historic moment for our country, our people and our airline and on behalf of Qatar Airways, a great privilege to be standing here having flown our newest aircraft,” he said.

Al Baker credited the development of Qatar Airways into the world’s best airline to the vision of The Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and outlined the role the new 787s would play in the fulfillment of that vision:

“Through the inspired vision of our country’s leader The Emir, Qatar Airways has rapidly evolved into a world-class international airline that has set new standards in service and excellence mirroring the country’s ambitions, aggressive growth and rapid development.

 

Qatar Airways' first Boeing 787 Dreamliner lands at Doha International Airport following its maiden flight from Seattle.

 

“The 787s are next generation aircraft that allow us to maximise long-haul route opportunities with greater fuel and cost efficiency and, importantly offer our passengers a different travel experience with new levels of space and comfort.”

Added Al Baker: “For the men and women at Qatar Airways who have been part of this wonderful 787 project, this is a moment to cherish, having devoted their energy to make today the historic moment it is, and recognising this wonderful engineering masterpiece.

“I am delighted that tickets on our 787 flights are now bookable on selected commercial services between Doha and Dubai, as it flies short sectors to familiarise our crew with the aircraft.”

Boeing Commercial Vice-President International Sales Middle East, Marty Bentrott, said: “Boeing and Qatar Airways once again demonstrate a close working partnership between the two companies that is clearly reflected in the 787 programme.

“This aircraft has already shifted the goalposts in the industry in terms of comfort and operating efficiency and I am delighted to see Qatar Airways will continue to live up to its high service standards with their new 787s and continue to be an industry leader promoting excellence in everything it does.”

 

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker shows US Ambassador to the State of Qatar Susan Ziadeh and officials the airline's Business Class seats onboard Qatar Airways' new 787 Dreamliner in Doha

 

A Boeing customer since 2007 with 31 triple seven passenger and cargo aircraft in its fleet, Qatar Airways has now added its first 787 that features specially designed interiors, spacious cabins, custom-made seats and the latest inflight technology across its Business and Economy Class. Furthermore, Qatar Airways’ Dreamliners are also the world’s first fully connected 787s with wireless facilities for passengers to remain in touch with their friends and loved ones on the ground.

The new aircraft has 254 seats in a two-class layout of 22 seats in Business Class in a 1–2–1 configuration, turning into flat beds with plenty of space to work, sleep, eat or relax. In Economy Class, there are 232 seats in a 3–3–3 spacious layout.

A striking feature of every seat throughout the aircraft is the award-winning touch screen Android system, where passengers are able to navigate through a truly interactive service offering more than 1,000 movie, TV programmes, music and gaming entertainment options in a sophisticated and user friendly way, just like the latest smart phones

 

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, right, with US Ambassador to the State of Qatar Susan Ziadeh and Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi after touring the airline's new 787 Dreamliner at Doha International Airport.

 

The touch-screen control unit has a unique dual screen interface allowing passengers to play games on their handheld device while enjoying a movie on their personal screen. Passengers are also able to be fully connected through WIFI and GSM telephony, sending both text and MMS messages, with each seat equipped with USB, MP3 and other charger ports, including laptop power outlets.

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner is also complemented with a recently-introduced new inflight culinary menu being rolled out across all services. Four award-winning culinary ambassadors –Chef Ramzi Chwayri, Chef Vineet Bhatia, Chef Tom Aitkens and Chef Nobu Matsushisa – have joined forces with the Doha-based airline to create a new range of signature dishes.

In addition, dynamic mood lighting and the composite design of the Dreamliner with lighter materials will ensure passengers are less fatigued and more refreshed as the cabin pressure is 2,000 feet closer to ground level with an air purification system that is cleaner and healthier than many other aircraft.

One of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 15 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 112 aircraft to 120 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

Since the beginning of 2012, Qatar Airways has launched flights to 10 new destinations – Baku (Azerbaijan); Tbilisi (Georgia); Kigali (Rwanda); Zagreb (Croatia), Erbil (Iraq), Baghdad (Iraq), Perth (Australia), Kilimanjaro (Tanzania); Yangon (Myanmar) and Maputo (Mozambique).

Over the next few months, Qatar Airways will launch services to a diverse portfolio of new routes, including Belgrade, Serbia (November 20); Warsaw, Poland (December 5), Gassim, Saudi Arabia (7 January 2013); Najaf, Iraq (January 23); Phnom Penh, Cambodia (February 20); Chicago, USA (April 10); and Salalah, Oman (May 22).

 

 

Website: www.qatarairways.com

Edited November 19, 2012 by Cire