Airline is the global launch customer of the Airbus A350 (XWB). Frankfurt to receive two frequencies operated with the next-generation A350 starting from mid-January.
DOHA, QATAR – Qatar Airways has announced Frankfurt as the first route for its highly anticipated A350 Xtra Wide Body (XWB) aircraft.
As the Global Launch operator of the A350 XWB, the programme will achieve another major milestone once the airline receives its first aircraft before the end of this year.
Upon delivery, following several weeks of induction preparation, Qatar Airways will then be set to introduce its first commercial service to the German business hub city of Frankfurt.
Frankfurt will be operated non-stop daily with an A350 starting from January next year.
The airline has chosen the European city for its first route for the Extra Wide Body service because of the significant capacity the aircraft provides for the comfort of its business and leisure travellers.
Qatar Airways currently flies twice-daily to Frankfurt, and the double pairings will both be operated by an A350 on the route.
Initially QR067/068 will be the first pairing with the A350, followed shortly by QR069/70.
The 283 seats are divided across a dual cabin layout, configured in Business Class and Economy Class; 36 seats and 247 seats respectively.
Qatar Airways has 80 Airbus A350s on order, and expects to induct the first eight production aircraft into its fleet before 2015 year-end.
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways remarked: “This year has truly been a Year of the Fleet for Qatar Airways. The airline has demonstrated its commitment to quality and comfort offered onboard and to providing passengers with the leading technology available in the aviation industry.
“Qatar Airways looks forward to inaugurating our first A350 on the Doha – Frankfurt route, and to very soon introducing this next-generation aircraft on many other cities offered on the airline’s extensive network.”
Before the end of this year the airline will reach 146 destinations, launching new services to Djibouti, in the Republic of Djibouti, on October 26 and Asmara, in Eritrea on December 4.
Qatar Airways presently flies to 144 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America, and operates a modern mixed fleet of narrow and wide-body aircraft.
Qatar Airways took delivery of its first double-decker A380 aircraft in September this year and it is currently operated daily on the Doha – London Heathrow route.
Qatar Airways wins multiple distinctions at the SAVEUR Culinary Travel Award
Qatar Airways won four honours, including a top Readers’ Choice award in SAVEUR Magazine’s annual Culinary Travel Awards. Winners of the Culinary Travel Awards, one of the industry’s premier recognition events, were presented recently in New York City and represent “the world’s best cities, markets, restaurants, bars, hotels, airlines, and other experiences”.
Qatar Airways, the world’s five-star airline, collected four honours in three categories:
- Readers’ Choice: Airport Lounge for Qatar Airways at London Heathrow Airport
- Notable Airport Lounge for Qatar Airways Premium Terminal, Doha International Airport
- Notable In-Flight Beverages
- Notable In-Flight Dining (First & Business Class)
“At Qatar Airways, we are always seeking new ways to exceed expectations and provide unforgettable passenger experiences, both onboard our aircraft, in our Premium Lounges around the world, and at our home base in the new state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. “It is an honour to be recognized for the work we do, providing our customers with an unmatched level of luxury and comfort while they travel.”
Both of Qatar Airways’ Premium Lounges were recognized in the Best Airport Lounge category including the former Premium Terminal at the old Doha International Airport. The airline’s lounge at London Heathrow is one of the most highly regarded in the world. It appeals to SAVEUR readers with features like a gourmet restaurant with an open theater-style kitchen, a delicatessen with organic and international lighter fare, luxurious private showers, and a business centre with WiFi, PCs, and printers.
The airline’s new ground-breaking premium traveller lounge was unveiled in August at the newly operational Hamad International Airport and is already garnering widespread praise. Named the Al Mourjan Business Lounge, it occupies a space the size of 10 Olympic-sized pools and can accommodate up to 1,000 people.
“We never compromise on quality and the new Al Mourjan Business Lounge is proof of this,” said Mr. Al Baker. “From the many dining options, through the workstations, the family spaces, the games rooms, and the private quiet rooms, we have set a new standard for luxury and comfort in an airport lounge.”
Qatar Airways was also recognized for its service in the sky. Besides offering fully lie-flat seats with built-in back massagers in its Premium Class, and more than 1,000 forms of entertainment through the 17” personal touch-screen TVs, the airline provides one of the best dining experiences available at 30,000 feet. The First and Business Class menus are designed by an all-star roster of celebrity chefs from around the world: Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Aikens, Vineet Bhatia, and Ramzi Choueiri, who have a combined five Michelin Stars between them.
“Qatar Airways has always been committed to combining cutting edge aviation technology with services and amenities that harken back to the golden age of luxury travel,” said Mr. Al Baker. “We are grateful to the readers and editors of Saveur for recognizing all the work we do to make flying with us a five-star experience.”
Qatar Airways has won multiple awards for its superior service since re-launching in 1997. The airline was named World’s Best Business Class, Best Middle East Airline, and Best Business Class Lounge at the recent Skytrax Awards 2014. It also won Best Business Class and Best Airline for International Travel at the 2014 Business Travel Awards and has previously been named Airline of the Year by Skytrax, Air Transport News, and Business Aviation.
Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 140 destinations across the globe, including eight destinations in North America: Washington, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Montreal.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
