Doha: Qatar Airways’ (QA) first A380 has commenced services on the Doha-London route, marking another milestone for the five-star airline.
The arrival of the world’s largest commercial airliner on the route reinforces QA’s presence in the UK, with six flights a day between both cities in addition to direct services from Doha to Edinburgh and Manchester.
QA will add a second A380 to the Doha-London route in December.
Featuring a tri-class configuration of First, Business and Economy class seating over two decks, A380 offers the airline’s signature five-star service with outstanding in-flight entertainment and service on board.
There are 517 seats, with eight in First Class, 48 in Business Class and 461 in Economy Class.
First Class passengers benefit from 90-inch seat pitch, 180 degree flat-beds and 26-inch LCD TV screens while Business Class passengers experience 52-inch seat pitch, with 80-inch, 180 degree flat-beds and 17-inch touchscreen monitors.
In Economy Class, the on board experience is enhanced with 10.6-inch entertainment screens and seats with a seven-inch recline.
QA Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to witness the beginning of the first QA A380 commercial service.
“QA is committed to offering our passengers the best possible experience when it comes to travelling with our airline, and this aircraft, with its customised interior, will set a new level of comfort for our passengers, who will also benefit from a smooth and pleasant passenger experience at Hamad International Airport, the world’s newest.”
QA is the first airline in the world to offer the next generation Thales (AVANT 4th generation) in-flight system on the A380. The Android-based system features a touchscreen handset, giving users a “second screen experience” where they can watch a movie on their main screen and follow the flight progress on the moving map on their handset.
There are games, films and cartoons for every age group, and passengers can watch the pilot’s view from the external landscape camera.
QA took delivery of its first A380 on September 17, with the inaugural flight to London on October 10. The aircraft is the first of 13 on order.
The Peninsula
