Qatar Airways has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Doha, which was greeted by VIPs, media, airline and airport staff, together with passengers.
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 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.
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 said: “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.
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.
Qatar Airways takes delivery of its first 787
