Qatar Airways to launch daily all premium Biz Class service from Doha to London Heathrow

Thursday, 20 February 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

DOHA, Qatar: Qatar Airways has announced the launch of a new daily all premium Business Class service from its hub in Doha to London Heathrow. The new service will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, commencing from 15 May 2014, with an Airbus A319 aircraft fitted with an all Business Class, single aisle, 2–2 seating configuration offering 40 seats.

Qatar Airways currently operates five daily flights to London Heathrow and the additional sixth all Business Class daily service marks the start of an exciting new era for travellers to and from the UK, who can experience complete comfort and privacy with the airline’s award-winning five-star hospitality. The new additional flight will step up the frequency on the Doha – London Heathrow route from 35 to 42 weekly services. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Today’s announcement reaffirms Qatar Airways’ determination to continue its expansion drive by improving an already superior in-flight product.” “The airline goes to great lengths to consider passenger convenience and comfort at every step of their journey. The Doha – London Heathrow route is one of Qatar Airways’ most popular international routes and it was only fitting that we introduce an all Business Class service on this key route, where customers will also be able to benefit from our new Qatar Airways premium lounge in London Heathrow’s terminal four, and of course the Premium Terminal in Doha.” Qatar Airways has been awarded the World’s Best Business Class Airline for 2013 and has also twice been the recipient of the Airline of the Year Award in 2011 and 2012 at the prestigious Skytrax Airline Awards. The airline has also been named as ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ for the second year running and ‘Business Airline of the Year’ at the high profile UK Business Travel Awards 2014 recently held in London. Qatar Airways’ new A319 Business Class seat will have one of the highest specifications for business class travel of any airline with wide seats that recline into fully flat beds and state of the art Oryx entertainment system (with more than 900 entertainment options – movies, television, video games and music).

Passengers can also remain in touch with their friends and loved ones on the ground through the SMS mobile texting GSM and GPRS service upon this aircraft, which is sure to reflect that of a VIP jet experience for those travelling between London and Doha. Currently undergoing rapid expansion, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 17th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 129 aircraft flying to 134 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

Qatar Airways’ first venture into the all Business Class premium market will strengthen its position as one of the leading airlines in the global aviation industry. As part of its aggressive expansion program, Qatar Airways will launch routes to eight new destinations during 2014: Sharjah (UAE) from March 1; Dubai World Central (UAE) from March 1; Philadelphia (USA) from April 2; Larnaca (Cyprus) from April 29; Istanbul SabihaGokcen Airport (Turkey) from May 22; Edinburgh (Scotland) from May 28; Miami (USA) from June 10 and Dallas/Fort Worth (USA) from July 1. The Doha – London Heathrow New Daily A319 All Business Class Flight Schedule (all times local) Depart Doha QR015 at 14:50 hrs, arrives in London Heathrow 20:25 hrs Depart London Heathrow QR016 at 21:55 hrs, arrives in Doha 06:40 hrs.