In January 2015 Qatar Airways became the first airline to fly the new Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, which went into operation on the Doha-Frankfurt route.
Taking flying to the next level of comfort, the A350 features state-of-the-art technology, an ultra wide cabin, high ceilings and panoramic windows with clever shades that go from transparent to opaque in Business Class. It is also faster and more fuel efficient, thanks to a tapered wing and a more aerodynamic design.
Passengers don’t have to worry about jetlag or tiredness thanks to lower cabin pressure, optimal humidity and dynamic LED lighting that changes colours to suit the time of day and destination. The aircraft is also equipped with a high precision air management system to ensure passengers breathe pure air that is filtered every few minutes.
The Aircraft
With wings made of lightweight carbon composites and two new-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines for power, the A350 is one of the lightest aircraft of its type. Producing 25% lower CO2 emissions than other aircraft in its category, it’s also much kinder to the environment.
The Interior
The A350 has an extra wide 220 inch fuselage with 9 seats on each row in Economy Class and a 1-2-1 layout in Business Class. It also has straighter side walls and a flat floor in the cabin to add to the feeling of spaciousness. When passengers board the aircraft they walk under an illuminated ceiling dome and are welcomed by a striking interior.
Business Class
The aircraft features an updated version of the airline’s newest Business Class product, which was awarded World’s Best Business Class for the second year running in 2014. Each passenger is treated to their own private sanctuary in the sky, featuring a seat that converts into an 80” fully flat bed dressed with Frette linens. Business Class guests can store up to two roller bags in the supersized overhead bins and power up their laptops using conveniently located power sockets and ports.
Configured in a 1-2-1 layout, the cabin offers direct aisle access at every seat, meaning passengers don’t have to disturb the person next to them when getting up to walk around the cabin. There’s also a ‘refreshment area’ filled with a selection of beverages, fine sweets and fruit for guests to enjoy.
Passengers can pass time during the flight by watching movies and TV shows on the latest 4th generation IFE system featuring a high-definition 17” Thales Avant touch screen. 3D audio gives the effect of high-fidelity surround sound through noise-cancelling headsets.
When guests would like to freshen up they can use the goodies supplied in their stylish black Giorgio Armani amenity kit and help themselves to Rituals skincare products inside the spacious onboard lavatories.
The Business Class menu features dishes created by internationally renowned, Michelin-starred chefs and luxury pastries by luxury French bakery Laduree.
Routes
The first A350 entered service on the Frankfurt route in January and a second A350 will commence operations on the Frankfurt route beginning March 1 2015. The airline has just announced it will introduce its third, fourth and fifth A350s on its Singapore route in June, July and August.
The airline currently offers two existing daily services to Singapore but will add an additional daily service also operated by the A350. The new daily flight will be departing Doha at 20:25 hrs and arrive in Singapore the next day at 09:15 hrs, followed by a quick turnaround from Singapore at 10:40 hrs and returning to Doha the same day at 13:15 hrs. Qatar Airways will therefore become the first airline to operate the A350 XWB to Singapore and the Asia Pacific.
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