Qatar Airways’ new Boeing 787 participates

Qatar Airways’ very first Boeing 787 Dreamliner took to the skies above Farnborough on Monday in a never-seen-before public flying display. The seven-minute demonstration flights over three days showcase the sophisticated engineering and visual appeal of the aircraft, giving tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts from around the world, as well as the global aerospace industry, a first-hand glimpse of the Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner in flight. The aerial display also marks the first ever, and much anticipated, Dreamliner flying demonstration at an international aerospace event. Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787 is scheduled to take to the skies between 16:00 and 16:30 (GMT) on the first three days of the air show - 9, 10 and 11 July. The aircraft will also be on static display before taking to the skies. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker, who will officially unveil the Dreamliner to international media on 9 July, said, “We are thrilled to showcase Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner at Farnborough this year and the debut of our Boeing 787 in Qatar Airways’ livery marks a significant milestone for our airline ... The first of our 60 Boeing 787s on order will set new standards in service and excellence as we continue to grow aggressively, bringing a heightened level of luxury and state-of-the-art engineering to the skies with these new-generation aircraft.”On board, Business Class is configured 1–2–1, featuring seats that convert into fully flat horizontal beds, while Economy Class has a 3–3–3 cabin layout. Qatar Airways’ new 787s feature a total of 254 seats in a two-class configuration of 22 in Business and 232 in Economy. Passengers can catch up on their sleep onboard with fully flat 80-inch long and 30-inch wide Business Class seats, while Economy offers 32-inch pitch seats providing a new level of comfort in the skies. Keeping in line with technological advances, Qatar Airways has included an iTouch touch control unit, through which more than 1,000 movies, programming and audio entertainment options are accessible, together with an iPort, USB port and remote data outlet for travellers. Upon entering service, Qatar Airways’ first 787 will initially operate on intra-Gulf routes before making its maiden long-haul commercial flight between Doha and London Heathrow.