I was going to call this an Al Maha Airways trip report, based on the livery of the aircraft, but it was a Qatar Airways flight in every other way. An excellent one at that.
After arriving from Amman, I proceeded to the transfer desk and collected my boarding pass for the next flight. I spent my layover in the Pearl Lounge. I hasn’t changed, so I’m not updating my 2013 review. This flight took place in 2016.
Boarding began at 6:00 A.M. for the short flight to Doha. The aircraft was parked on a remote stand, so everyone was herded onto a bus.
Upon boarding, I noticed I would be flying one of Qatar’s four Al Maha aircrafts, which were once intended to operate routes from Saudi Arabia. The plan for building Al Maha Airways was abandoned in 2017.
Qatar Airways 1087
Kuwait (KWI) – Doha (DOH)
Saturday, June 04
Depart: 06:30 AM
Arrive: 07:55 AM
Duration: 01hr, 25min
Distance: 352 miles
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat: 2D (First Class)
Depite the Al Maha paint scheme and safety card inside, the crew was in Qatar Airways uniforms and I noticed absolutely no difference between this flight and other Qatar Airways flights. Qatar classifies flights within the Middle East as “first class” and therefore Arabic coffee and dates were offered after boarding. FAs also offered a choice of hot or cold towel.
“First Class” consists of three rows of recliner seats in a 2-2 configurations. The seats are very similar to what you find on competitors. A plush pillow was waiting at each seat and blankets were available upon request. Wi-Fi was available onboard and functioned well. First class passengers were provided 15 minutes of free internet (10MB).
The flight was virtually empty:
After taking off, FAs offered breakfast. What a treat this was: fresh-squeezed orange juice and a strawberry banana smoothie to start, followed by a tray with cheese and crudités, fruit, bread, and a hot crepe. What a superb meal for so short a flight!
I also ordered a cappuccino and sadly it was powdered.
CONCLUSION
We arrived on time in beautiful Hamad International Airport in DOH.
What a pleasure this flight was. This was like my frequent Los Angeles to San Francisco flights in terms of flight length and yet the service rivaled that of a much longer flight. In many ways, Qatar Airways remains my favorite business class product, even on routes like this without lie-flat seating.
Next up: A long layover in Doha.
Did you ask the flight attendant’s permission before plastering her face across the internet ? I find it incredible when bloggers are so cavalier with photos of other people, yet are shocked when they’re told to not take pictures onboard. I hope that I’m mistaken in my assumption that you didn’t ask her permission.
I did. I will never post a FA picture without asking their permission.