Qatar Airways receives first Dreamliner

Qatar Airways' B787 at the Farnborough Airshow

Qatar Airways has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The aircraft, which marks the first of 30 787s ordered by Qatar Airways, is also the first Dreamliner to be delivered to a Middle Eastern carrier.

“We are delighted to receive our first Dreamliner – an aircraft which we expect will establish new benchmarks for reliability and comfort,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ CEO. “Our decision to invest in this game-changing airplane… reflects our firm belief in its unrivalled capabilities and the value it will add to our fleet and network expansion plans.”

Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner will be configured with 254 seats in two classes – 22 in business class (in a 1-2-1 layout) and 232 in economy (3-3-3). The airline has announced that it will deploy the Dreamliner on services to Dubai, London, Delhi and Zurich, with other routes to follow as additional 787s join the Doha-based fleet.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Qatar Airways is one of the most remarkable airline success stories of our time and it is only fitting that it has taken delivery of the most technologically advanced jetliner of our time,” said Ray Conner, president & CEO of Boeing’s commercial unit. “The 787, with its unmatched fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, is certain to enable Qatar Airways’ plans to continue to deliver on its promise of quality and profitability.”

Qatar Airways unveiled its Dreamliner at this year’s Farnborough Airshow. All seats will have touch-screen in-flight entertainment with more than 1,000 movies, TV shows and audio programmes, plus USB port and power sockets.