I was at the Farnborough airshow for the unveiling of the Next Gen QSuites and was given the opportunity to chat with Thierry Antinori about the new seat and a range of topics.
In this post:
Next Gen QSuite
I first asked Thierry when he expected to receive the B777X, which is due to debut in the Next Gen QSuite. Qatar does not yet have a confirmed delivery date for the B777X. The long-awaited new aircraft from Boeing has been beset with delays, but Qatar expects to receive the first one by the end of 2025, but this could change.
I asked if he had any specific routes in mind to debut the B777X with the new seats and although he was not able to officially confirm anything, he did hint that London is Qatar’s biggest single route and regarded as one of the most premium, so it is likely to be in the running.
Thierry also confirmed that the Next Gen QSuite is not currently planned to be retrofitted on any older aircraft, just new deliveries. However, he was keen to emphasise that he still strongly believes in the current QSuite, which was groundbreaking when it was first delivered and spawned many copies.
I had noticed that there were some different touches on the new Next Gen QSuite display like different pillows so I asked if they planned for some extras like they originally had when the first QSuite launched (the snack menu, pillows and candles). He confirmed that although plans were not finalised they expected to have some celebratory exclusive extras for the launch.
I asked Thierry what he thought were the best features of the new suite. He thought that the extra space and ability to open the spaces out for families and couples were very important. Although the quad was available on the older version, the new Companion seats are a game changer for couples. There is also more room in the suites, and the folding TV screens are much better than the previous arrangements.
Sustainability is also very important for Qatar Airways. The new QSuites are streets are lighter than what they have today and built with different materials that are also recyclable and recycled.
Fleet and aircraft plans
Qatar are due to announce a large aircraft order, although it won’t be at Farnborough. This order is due to see them through the next 15 years and the aircraft contained within that order may well also have the new seats. The exceptions would be any B787s as currently they have different type of seat, the Premium Suite due to the width of the aircraft.
Although Qatar Airways seats are very popular with TLFL readers, I know the range of seats is often a source of complaints for some people, so I asked Thierry what their plans were for refurbishing current aircraft and also moving older aircraft from the fleet.
Apparently, satisfaction scores are still high for passengers on the old B777 with the 2-2-2 seats due to the whole Qatar experience, but these older aircraft and those that are currently leased, such as the Cathay Pacific B777-300, will be the first to be retired from the fleet as new aircraft arrive. The airline was forced to extend the life of certain aircraft such as the old B777s due to the problems with their A350s and the general pandemic issues with aircraft deliveries. Qatar now has all the A350s flying again since March 2024. So they will gradually phase out the leased and older aircraft, including some of their A330s, which also do not have the QSuite.
I also asked if they had a date in mind where all aircraft would have a form of suite and they did not. He also confirmed that there are no plans to install QSuites on the A380s, they will remain as they are (I assume until they are retired). I actually like the older seats on the A380 in terms of comfort although they are less private.
Again Thierry was keen to emphasise that they have won 5 stars again with Skytrax and the other advantages of travelling with Qatar such as the connecting experience at Qatar which continues to expand. I certainly think that the new The Garden Al Mourjan lounge is definitely one of the best business class lounges in the world.
Qatar Privilege Club and Avios
Thierry was keen to emphasize the unique scheme where Avios are credited to your account after check-in so you can spend your points almost instantly in Duty-Free at Doha, which can also give you a discount. I also asked if he thought there were more partners imminent now they had joined Avios. He believed that the next new partners would most likely be non-airline partners.
Route network
I asked if Qatar was likely to launch any more routes soon after the recent launch of Hamburg in July. Currently, they have 170 routes and also tend to have higher frequencies than other Middle East airlines due to the smaller size of most of their aircraft. Qatar are also the most punctual ME airline. Thierry indicated a couple more routes may be in the works but that overall they are very happy with the number of routes they have now.
First class and Premium Economy
A new First class from Qatar Airways is expected to be announced at some point. Currently, it is only available on a small number of routes on the A380. I asked when we may expect to see an announcement but Thierry indicated there is no timeframe yet but they are definitely considering an upgrade to their first class.
He also confirmed that although there are no plans to introduce Premium Economy they would never rule out the possibility completely but it is not planned at the moment.
Conclusion
My main takeaway from the conversation is how passionate Qatar is about being the “best in class” for everything they do from the seats to the onboard service and even the experience at Doha airport.
8 comments
Perhaps the question should have been asked if there were any plans to improve customer services which are perceived by many to be very poor.
Without doubt, the onboard experience is hard to beat, however, services on the ground and their IT are average at best.
I’d agree with customer services needing improvement.
It’s hard to believe people are happy with the old 777 with 2 2 2 configuration. It’s just awful.
I really don’t think it is that bad as long as you are travelling with someone, not so great if you have a stranger next to you. The bed is more comfortable with a ton more room than a Qsuite!
I don’t get upset if I am “Qatared” like some do as it’s still a great product to me! 😀
What did you think of the finishes of the new suites? I thought they looked good from afar, but so cheap and plasticy up close, seems like they really cheaped out on materials and finishes.
Its all about the weight. The heavier the finishes, the more fuel is burnt on each flight. everything needs to be as light as possible.
I have to say I didn’t notice that but during the media session it was a bit of a circus. The overhead mirrors and lights did not help either as it made it look red instead of burgundy. Although at this point it is only a mock up so the real deal hopefully will look better.
Thanks Michele for the article and bringing us interesting and useful information.
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