Qatar Airways has hinted that its new Boeing 777-9 aircraft may have an exclusive four-seat first class cabin. As more carriers move away from first class, will Qatar Airways invest in a luxurious new product?
Qatar Airways 777-9 First Class
Currently, the only aircraft type in the Qatar Airways fleet with first class is the Airbus A380. I’ve reviewed it before here and also compared it to the carrier’s latest Qsuite business class product.
> Read More: Qatar Airways First Class vs. Qsuite Business Class
My own opinion is the first class product is better overall, though Qsuite offers much more privacy and both, of course, have fully flat beds.
Like View from the Wing, I figured that once the A380 was retired, so too would the concept of first class on Qatar Airways. But not so fast, apparently.
Speaking to Executive Traveller, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker hinted at a new, more intimate first class cabin on the 777-9:
“We are studying the possibility of having a very exclusive first class cabin of just four seats, for example.
“We have huge demand here in Qatar to two or three European destinations so we may introduce a very small first class cabin for our local passengers who want a very exclusive first class product.”
Al Baker called it a “very niche product” and hinted it would only appear on service to cities like London or Paris. Al Baker also complained that first class loads on the A380 did not justify the space onboard:
“An airplane is very expensive real estate, and occupying a big portion with so few seats as first class, which had a load factor of averaging never more than 55-60%.”
Any new first class product would not appear on any initial delivery and Al Baker indicated there was no specific design under consideration.
What Might A New First Class Suite On Qatar Airways Look Like?
A four-seat, one row first class cabin is not unheard of. In fact, that is what Air France offers on its 777-30ER in first class and is one of my favorite first class products in the sky.
While also not as private as Qsuite business class during boarding, floor-to-ceiling curtains offer total privacy when closed. This also allows couples traveling together to easily communicate if seated in the center section.
Other models which Qatar can consider include the first class product on Emirates 777-300ERs, which include only three suites per row, not four. These are beautiful, spacious suites which are certainly a step above Qsuite. Indeed, the Emirates model would offer a way for Qatar Airways to build upon its industry-leading business class product to offer even more privacy.
Finally, we could see something akin to The Apartments found onboard the Etihad Airways A380. These oversized suites have plenty of room and are aesthetically beautiful, but not particularly comfortable.
CONCLUSION
As first class rapidly disappears, it is great to hear that Qatar Airways is at least considering a new first class product on the 777-9. While I’m not convinced we will ever see it, at least Qatar Airways has not foreclosed the possibility.
What do you think first class on the Qatar Airways 777-9 will look like?
Matt!! Is that actually you in the pic???!
Yes, it is!
American’s love this!
But, not willing to pay for it!
Upgrades,points,etc..
That is why NO US CARRIER OFFERS THIS.
THE WEALTHY OIL MEN CAN AFFORD IT!
The M3 will always have F cabins on their main prestige routes because there are plenty of “royalty” and high rollers flying between their gulf homes and London, Paris, Frankfurt as well as one or two major cities in the US and Asia. With the A380 pretty much being grounded for various COVID-19 and other reasons, they need a sub-fleet of aircraft with true indulgent F.