Qatar Airways Plans New First-Class Cabin

Qatar Airways is developing a new first-class cabin, though it may take longer to launch than initially expected. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways, provided an update, stating that he would soon review a prototype of the new top-tier seat.

Earlier this year, Al-Meer had expressed optimism, indicating that the first-class project was well-advanced, being “70-80% ready,” with only final touches and color schemes remaining. However, at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK, Al-Meer adopted a more cautious tone, citing supply chain issues and certification delays as significant hurdles. He emphasized the airline’s close collaboration with suppliers and manufacturers to expedite the certification process.

Qatar Airways’ bespoke cabin design requires multiple regulatory approvals before it can be introduced, unlike many airlines that opt for existing ‘off the shelf’ options. This custom approach aligns with Qatar Airways’ reputation for innovation and pushing the boundaries of cabin design, particularly in its premium classes.

Al-Meer confirmed that the new first-class cabin will be installed only on next-generation aircraft and will not be retrofitted onto older models. Qatar Airways is currently inviting proposals from plane manufacturers for a major new long-haul aircraft order, with both Airbus and Boeing being considered. This suggests that the new first-class cabin won’t be available to passengers for several years.

Presently, Qatar Airways offers a first-class cabin only on its Airbus A380 ‘super jumbo’ aircraft, which was reintroduced post-pandemic and operates on select routes, including London Heathrow, Sydney, and Bangkok. The A380 features eight first-class suites on its upper deck.

This investment marks a strategic shift for Qatar Airways. Last year, former CEO Akbar Al Baker expressed skepticism about the necessity of a first-class cabin, questioning the value of such an investment given the amenities already available in business class. Despite the trend of several airlines, including LATAM, Malaysia Airlines, and South African Airways, discontinuing their international first-class products, Qatar Airways is now moving in the opposite direction.

Only a few long-haul carriers, such as Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Japan Airlines, continue to invest in first-class cabins, though often on select routes. However, there are indications of a modest revival in the first-class market, with Air France planning to launch a new first-class product, ‘La Première,’ by the end of the year and Germany’s Lufthansa also planning to upgrade its existing first-class offering.

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