First class to go: Qatar Airways says goodbye to luxury cabins

The award-winning Qatar Airways has said that it will not be offering first-class cabins on its new long-haul aircraft.

By: Lorne Philpot

Have you ever wondered what it would be like traveling in first class on one of the world’s best airlines? Well, that may soon not be possible with Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker has said that the airline will not offer first-class on its next-generation long-haul aircraft.

DROPPING FIRST CLASS

Providing a first-class product is a matter of prestige for many airlines.

However, a first-class cabin is not always a profitable service for airlines to offer.

“I don’t see the necessity.” Al Baker said, per Fortune.

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SUPERIOR BUSINESS CLASS

A number of carriers including Qatar Airways, have a remarkable business class product, which is even more profitable than their first class.

According to Fortune, Qatar Airways CEO says that the company’s future rests in its business class offering, which the airline has branded its Q-suite product.

Al Baker said the investment in first class does not justify the returns, given that Qatar’s business-class offering offers nearly the same benefits.

“Why should you invest in a subclass of an aeroplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you?” Al Baker said in an interview.

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NEW AIRCRAFT

There will not be first-class cabins on Qatar Airways’ future next-generation long-distance aircraft. The airline is due to receive several new aircraft this year.

The company is expecting to take delivery of 25 new planes in 2023 but delays at aircraft manufacturers mean that the airline will not receive all 25.

Fortune states that issues on the Boeing 787, the Airbus 321neo and the A350 jets are causes for the delays.

AWARD-WINNING

The airline frequently earns accolades in the aviation sector’s Skytrax World Airline Awards.

The airline was named the world’s best airline for both 2021 and 2022. However, Qatar Airways was knocked out of first place this year by Air New Zealand, which was named the world’s best airline for 2023.

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