DOHA: Qatar Airways’ (QA)first Airbus A380 is due to land in Doha today afternoon, arriving from the Airbus factory in Hamburg, Germany, a press statement said yesterday.
The airline’s first superjumbo is scheduled to touch down at 17:00 (local time), passing over Doha Corniche shortly beforehand.
According to the statement, the aircraft will fly over Corniche at 4.30pm.
Landing at the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport for the first time, the A380 aircraft will be greeted by ministers, dignitaries and international media at a ceremony in the evening.
Qatar Airways has 10 Airbus A380 aircraft on order, with four to be inducted into the fleet before this year-end.The Peninsula
DOHA/HAMBURG: The first super-jumbo A380 that Qatar Airways received in Hamburg, is a tailor-made aircraft with essential elements in line with the carrier’s strategy to offer passengers the best possible travel experience and excellent hospitality, said a statement issued by the airline yesterday.
“The A380 that we are introducing is not just any A380; we have completely designed every element, giving it a signature touch that has never been seen before on board,” said Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways at a media briefing.
Qatar Airways held a press briefing along with Airbus at the Airbus Factory in Hamburg, Germany, on Tuesday as the Five-Star carrier took delivery of the first of its 10 Airbus A380 aircraft on order.
The airline is preparing to take delivery of three more A380-800s before the end of this year, said a press statement yesterday.
Al Baker said: “This has been a moment in more than a decade in the making and we are so delighted to unveil a new passenger experience for our travellers.”
“Additionally, the newly opened Hamad International Airport, the airline’s hub in Doha, has been specifically created with the A380 in mind, with five contact gates dedicated only for this aircraft, making the experience smooth and effortless for passengers. At Qatar Airways we pay careful consideration to all elements of the passenger experience and are regularly introducing innovations.”
The airline will first introduce A380 services on one of its frequencies on the Doha–London route from October, followed by Paris Charles De Gaulle shortly thereafter.
“We are very pleased to welcome Qatar Airways as the latest airline to offer unprecedented A380 services to the world. The multi-award-winning carrier and our flagship product are a perfect match to excite the flying public in all markets,” added Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “Leading carrier Qatar Airways aims for the best, and we are proud our A380 is an essential ingredient in their strategy to show-off their excellence and hospitality, connecting the world.”
The 517-seat aircraft is spread across twin decks in a tri-class configuration of eight seats in First Class; 48 seats in Business Class and 461 in Economy Class.
The First Class seats feature a 90-inch pitch with a fully flat bed. Business Class seats feature a pitch of 52 inches which also recline to fully flat beds.
Economy Class passengers benefit from the most spacious A380 arrangement flying in the skies, with a pitch of 32 inches spread in a 10-seats-across layout. The premium cabin is fitted with multiple bespoke elements such as luxe finishings and tailor-made fabrics designed exclusively for the airline.
“As a five-star performer, the A380 has become a firm favourite with passengers and airlines, due to the smoothness of the flight, quietness of the cabin and the spaciousness of the overall aircraft layout. These unique characteristics allow Qatar Airways to achieve their ambition of providing excellent services to their passengers.”
The Peninsula
