Qatar Airways has unveiled revolutionary new Business and Economy Class seats for its Boeing 787 aircraft with space, comfort and a revamped in-flight entertainment system being key features of the airliner that will be inducted into the fleet this summer.
The first of several key service enhancements to be announced over the next few months, Qatar Airways’ new seats promise to deliver a whole new passenger travel experience across both cabins with the industry’s newest aircraft. Qatar Airways’ new 787s will feature a total of 254 seats in a two-class configuration of 22 in Business Class and 232 in Economy.
A striking feature of every seat throughout the aircraft will be the touch screen Android technology control units. Passengers will be able to navigate through a truly interactive system, offering more than 1,000 movie, TV programmes, music and gaming entertainment options in a sophisticated and user friendly way, just like the latest smart phones. The touch-screen control unit has a unique dual screen interface allowing passengers to play games on their handheld device while enjoying a movie on their personal screen. Passengers can be fully connected through WIFI and GSM telephony, sending both text and MMS messages. Voice calls, although possible, will be disabled to minimise passenger disruption.
With a 1–2–1 configuration in Business Class, the layout features two less seats than competitors on conventional wide body aircraft, more typical of a First Class cabin where each passenger is assured of direct aisle access. The seat designed exclusively for Qatar Airways offers considerable personal space – almost double than existing business cabins – allowing passengers to sit back and relax in a 22-inch wide armchair that converts at a touch of a button into different cradle positions before reaching an extremely generous 80-inch long, 30-inch wide flat bed offering exceptional legroom.
Armrests can be fully adjusted to different heights to complement different body positions while dining, reading, working or resting. Passengers will also be able to dine and work comfortably with an elegant wood trimmed large sliding table. When dining begins, passengers can easily rest their laptops on the side table. There is ample storage space such as a show drawer and side compartment for personal belongings. The seats, produced by B/E Aerospace, also feature generous 17-inch personal touch screen TV monitors.
In Economy Class, configured 3–3–3, the Recaro-produced seats embody the very latest in design technology and materials assuring all passengers have a high degree comfort and personal space. Featuring one less seat per row than competitors on other wide body aircraft, the Economy seats promise to offer a totally different travel experience. With 7 inches of recline, both the seat cushion and backrest adjust to ‘cradle’ the passenger into greater comfort. The slim-line seat design set at a pitch of 32 inches, together with a 16.9-inch width, offers more personal space than ever before. The adjustable hammock-style headrest allows passengers to comfortably support their head while resting. Each Economy Class seat is fitted with 10.6-inch seat back TV monitors offering passengers optimum viewing of a wide array of in-flight entertainment options.
With Wi-Fi and GSM telephony options, all passengers throughout the aircraft can always be in touch with the ground during their flight. Personal power ports are available in every seat, equipped with USB, MP3 and other charger ports, including laptop power outlets. USB ports enable holiday pictures from digital cameras to be viewed on the personal screens, while iPort connectors enable iPod and iPhone content to be displayed on passengers’ mini TVs ensuring they are fully connected to work and play.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker told TravelPlus: “As we prepare to take delivery of our first Boeing 787 just months away, we are delighted to announce today a whole new passenger travel experience with the unveiling of our brand new seats that will be onboard the world’s newest aircraft. “Space, comfort and ensuring our passengers have the best onboard entertainment options are key elements of our new 787s, promising to set new benchmarks in air travel. Qatar Airways has taken a lot of time and effort in ensuring we are true leaders in the field rather than followers, meticulously working with manufacturers on specific seat design and features.
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