Qatar Airways Unveils Boeing 787 Seats

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways unveiled the Business and Economy Class seats it will use in its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which are scheduled to be inducted into the fleet this summer.

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 award-winning touch screen Android technology control units that will debut on Qatar Airways’ 787s. Passengers will be able to navigate through the interactive system, offering more than 1,000 movie, TV programmes, music and gaming entertainment options in a 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 is more typical of a First Class cabin where each passenger is assured of direct aisle access. The seats have been designed exclusively for Qatar Airways.

The seat offers considerable personal space 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 a generous 80-inch long, 30-inch wide flat bed.

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 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.

With 7 inches of recline, both the seat cushion and backrest adjust to ‘cradle’ the passenger into greater comfort. The slim-line seat design offers a pitch of 32 inches and a 16.9-inch width. The adjustable hammock-style headrest allows passengers to 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 inflight 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.

“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, said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. “Space, comfort and ensuring our passengers have the best onboard entertainment options are key elements of our new Boeing 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.”

Qatar Airways is the first Middle East customer of the Boeing 787, with 60 aircraft on order, including options. The Doha-based airline is preparing to take delivery of five 787s during 2012, with the first set to arrive in Qatar this summer.

The carrier will initially operate the aircraft on intra-Gulf routes to provide flight crew with training hours before Qatar Airways’ 787 is scheduled to appear on static display at the Farnborough Air Show in July and then enter its first long-haul commercial service on the Doha – London Heathrow route.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is designed to ensure that customers will arrive at their destination feeling less fatigued and more refreshed as the cabin pressure is 2,000 feet closer to ground level and the air purification system is cleaner and healthier than many other aircraft.

Dynamic mood lighting throughout the aircraft helps passengers adjust their body clocks according to the change in time zones as lighting is automatically altered during the flight.

The 787 is also quieter than other aircraft allowing passengers to work, sleep or relax in peace. With the largest windows in the industry and first-of-its-kind electronic touch pad controls to adjust the amount of light entering the cabin, passengers are able to look outside without glare, replacing conventional blinds.

Business Class passengers will exclusively be able to control the large window shades through their personal touch screen control units.

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