World’s largest and fastest business jet, Qatar Executive’s Gulfstream G650ER, will be displayed alongside the flagship A350 and A380 aircraft.
DOHA, QATAR – Qatar Airways announced it will be showcasing three state-of-the-art aircraft from its fast-growing fleet at the upcoming Singapore Airshow from 16 to 18 February 2016. The three-time Skytrax Airline of the Year winner will be showcasing the A350, for which it was the global launch customer, and its superjumbo A380. Also appearing in Asia is Qatar Executive’s newly acquired Gulfstream G650ER – the industry’s most advanced business jet.
Held biennially since 2008, the Singapore Airshow is widely regarded as Asia’s largest and finest airshow. To be held at the Changi Exhibition Centre, the 2016 edition of the Singapore Airshow will have more than 1,000 companies from over 50 countries in attendance, with mainstay events such as the exhibition, aerobatic display and static display, popular with both exhibitors and visitors alike.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is delighted to be participating again in this year’s Singapore Airshow, in an increased capacity. The three aircraft we will be displaying demonstrate our technologically advanced and fast-growing young fleet. We have just celebrated our one year anniversary of A350 operations, and already we are embarking on another milestone with the world’s newest civilian aircraft, the Gulfstream G650ER, which many visitors will have the opportunity of seeing up close at the Singapore Airshow.”
The Doha-based carrier made its debut at the Singapore Airshow 2014 by exhibiting the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to hundreds of show visitors. This year, Qatar Airways’ participation extends beyond the static aircraft display, as the airline has introduced a bespoke visitors chalet to receive and extend its award-winning hospitality to esteemed guests, media and trade partners.
Gulfstream G650ER.
Qatar Executive’s Gulfstream G650ER recently joined the fleet and will be displayed at the Singapore Airshow. The business jet is the first of 30 latest-generation Gulfstream aircraft ordered by Qatar Executive, and is capable of flying non-stop from the Middle East to North America or from destinations in Asia to Africa – farther and faster than any other jet of its kind – and is perfectly suited for those whose travel needs include flying halfway around the globe. Highly sought-after for its phenomenal range, industry-leading cabin technology and unparalleled cabin comfort, Qatar Executive’s G650ER has a two-cabin configuration that seats up to 13 passengers – the seats convert into fully-flat beds, so that seven guests can easily sleep on board.
Airbus 350.
The A350, now flying thrice-daily from Doha to Singapore, features customised interior settings, with its Business Class cabin comprising of 36 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and its Economy Class cabin in a 3-3-3 configuration, allowing it to seat 247 passengers. Qatar Airways was the global launch customer for the A350, and recently celebrated one year of operations with the aircraft. Qatar Airways started flying the world’s latest-technology aircraft from Singapore in May 2015, making it the first country in Asia to be served with the A350. In addition, Qatar Airways currently operates regular commercial A350 service to Frankfurt, Munich, and Philadelphia – the first airline to operate the A350 to three continents.
Also on display will be the airline’s bespoke twin-deck A380 ‘superjumbo’ aircraft – one of the most technologically advanced and highly sophisticated aircraft in the world. With a total of 517 passenger seats in First, Business and Economy Classes over two decks, it is the largest passenger plane in the world. Qatar Airways currently flies six A380s to London, Paris and Bangkok from Doha.
Passengers travelling on these Qatar Airways new-generation aircraft will transit through one of the world’s newest and most technologically advanced hubs – Hamad International Airport – where their seamless travel experience continues. Besides more than 70 luxury retail brands and 30 food and beverage outlets operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the airport also boosts a 100-room hotel, a wellbeing and fitness centre and one of the world’s largest and most luxurious Business Class lounges.. With HIA also being conveniently located within an eight-hour flight for more than two-thirds of the world’s population, it is fast becoming a transit hub of choice for many travellers.
Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, the airline operates a modern fleet of 176 aircraft flying to over 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 176 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. Qatar Airways won Airline of the Year, Best Business Class Airline Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East at the 2015 Skytrax Awards. This is the third time the airline won the accolade of Airline of the Year.
Qatar Aiways awarded for onboard entertainment innovation
Qatar Airways was recognised for Middle East Content Innovation at the third annual Inflight workshop and awards held in partnership with F&E Aerospace, the organiser of Aircraft Interiors Middle East. The award recognises the outstanding quality of Qatar Airways’ on-board entertainment platform, Oryx One.
Qatar Airways was commended for offering a wide selection of content to suit its global passengers’ needs, including movies and TV series tailored to the Middle East market. The award was presented to the airline at a ceremony held Thursday 4 February at the Dubai World Trade Centre as part of the Inflight IFEC Pavilion Workshop.
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “This award recognises the creativity and innovation that Qatar Airways continually applies to delivering the highest standard of on-board entertainment and connectivity for our passengers. From the latest premieres, to classic movies, and popular TV to special-interest programmes, Qatar Airways has compiled a state-of-the-art entertainment library, unrivalled for its wide range of content in multiple languages. Oryx One enthrals our passengers, giving them a rich and extensive selection and providing them with the best entertainment experience to enhance their journey around the world with Qatar Airways.”
Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment platform, Oryx One provides its passengers with more than 2,000 channels of entertainment, including 60 blockbuster movies, 1,100 episodes of TV programmes, 500 audio channels and 50 games, refreshed each month. Oryx One offers a huge variety of the latest audio and video content as well as star-studded world cinema in more than 30 languages, including Oscar-winning, Hollywood premieres, Arabic hits, Bollywood blockbusters, modern favourites, classics and much more. A dedicated family channel offers younger passengers with a wide choice of the latest movies and TV content suitable for their age.
The popular Oryx One library of content on board includes full box sets of movies and TV series such as the Best of Bond collection; Harry Potter; The Lord of the Rings trilogy; The Dark Knight Trilogy; Blindspot; Constantine; Forever; and Gotham. Qatar Airways was also the first airline to feature the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe collection on board. Passengers can select from a wide range of Bollywood movies and from more than 200 hours of Arabic content originating from Qatar, Gulf (Khaleeji) and the Middle East region.
Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380 and A319 as well as select A330 and A320 aircraft can also access on-board Wi-Fi. Qatar Airways passengers on all connected aircraft will enjoy free Wi-Fi for the first 15 minutes courtesy of a global partnership with Ooredoo. A simple-to-use portal makes it easy for passengers to log on and connect, and then browse the Internet or post on their social media channels directly from the comfort of their seats, reaffirming Qatar Airways’ commitment to providing a superior on-board service. Continued use is offered at very reasonable rates, from US$5 to US$20.
Photo caption: Airbus 380.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
