Qatar QSuite – Seat Comparison Roundup (B777-300ER) vs A350-900)

Last year TAT compared the variants of Qatar business class seats that were being operated from the herringbone of the A380 to the forward facing, 2-2-2 hop over configuration of the A330. A year on and this time around due to the opportunity of flying back to back on two QSuite flights, we thought we’d compared the experience of the A350 vs that of the B777. So how does the QSuite experience fair between aircraft? Is the overall flight journey on par across the board or are no two QSuites the same? TAT took to the skies to find out…

A350

The seat

The A350 features 46 QSuites in its business cabin, which are configured in a staggered 1-2-1 layout that offers each passenger direct aisle access. There are different types of seating configurations, with odd-numbered rows featuring rear-facing seats and even-numbered rows having forward facing ones.

The QSuite is beautiful designed with shoulder height doors that close while at the same time not making the space feel claustrophobic. On this flight I sat in 3A, which was a rear facing window seat. All suites are adorned with grey upholstery, hand-stitched Italian leather and satin rose gold finishing. Despite each seat having a width of 21.5 inches (55 cm) which extends to a 79 inches (2m) long bed, I found the seat generally a little tight in terms of comfort. Due to this being a relatively short 3 hour flight, I didn’t have the opportunity to test the lie flat bed.

Also in the suite was a hard shell BRICS amenities kit which contained the usual suspects for long haul travel, such as socks, eyeshades and ear plugs as well as some nice skincare items from Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio.

Entertain me

Entertainment is the best of the Oryx One system by Qatar. It’s a comprehensive but not exhaustive range that’s on offer here. Entertainment is delivered on a large and clear 22” HD screen. Control also via the screen or remote by the seat. Oryx One branded noise-cancelling headphones were also provided during the flight.

The A350 also offers onboard WiFi. On this flight, the first 60 minutes of WiFi is complimentary and for those who wish to surf the net beyond this timeframe there’s a handful of wifi plans depending on your usage/ needs. Using the complimentary wifi, I found that just general browsing without downloading anything was quite slow. If this was the case for the paid option too I would feel frustrated and frankly ripped off.

The Bread and Butter (food and drink)

Qatar’s soft product is just as amazing as their hard product. Despite being a three hour flight, the food and drink options were not skimmed over. A lot of detail and attention was placed on the food and beverage presentation and taste. On this flight was a simple a la carte menu. To properly compare service, I order a three course dinner onboard by having the seared scallops for starter, the grilled prawn and cod fish for main and the fresh berries with almond syrup for desert. I complimented this with the delectable Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rose which enhanced the dining experience with its lovely raspberry and salmon hues.

All of the dishes were tasty and beautiful presented (I loved the quality dishware used). On the A350 the service was speedy but attentive. Given the relatively short flight I could understand the FAs sense of urgency however that did not impact the warmth or friendliness of the onboard service.

777

The Seat

The first thing one notices about the QSuite on the B77 is the sense of space, especially compared to the A350 layout. In this aircraft there are 42 Qsuites spread across two minicabins. Like the A350 the cabin is a 1-2-1 configuration, offering each passenger direct aisle access. Like before I was seated in 3A and facing the rear on the plane on the window side.

Due to the timing of my flight being overnight, my suite contained two pillows, a blanket, amenity kit and set of headphones at the seat. The seat itself was quite comfortable, measuring 21.5 inches wide and 79 inches (2m) long, roughly the same as the A350. Despite the seat being the same in size the suite itself felt larger.

After the a la carte meal service I reclined to a full flat position to get some sleep during my nine hour flight. Whilst I didn’t have an FA do a turndown service for me, I found simply laying on my back with a blanket over me on the seat more that comfortable and didn’t require the mattress topper at all.

Pyjamas from The White Company were provided for this flight as well as the hard shell BRIC amenities kit, which contained the same toiletries as the A350 leg.

Entertain me

Without trying to sound repetitive, entertainment is provided through the Oryx One system. Again what was on offer was comprehensive but not exhaustive. Entertainment is delivered on a large and clear 21.5” HD screen which can be controlled via the screen or remote by the seat.

Also like the A350 there was wifi onboard with sadly the same connectivity issues.

The Bread and Butter (food and drink)

Being a nine hour flight two meals services were issued. Being a late night flight the menu had an emphasis on late night dining through some lighter dish options. On this flight I order the mixed garden salad, prawn wonton noodle soup and the baked coconut pudding with chilli chocolate. I accompanied my dishes again with a glass of the Laurent Perrier rose. Yes there were other options in terms of some great NZ and Napa Valley whites and reds but that Laurent Perrier seems to pair well with anything! All of the dishes went down a treat and like the A350, all beautifully presented on charming dishware.

The breakfast service was equally impressive. I’m a sucker for an arabic mezze and order that alongside a platter of seasonal fruits, a glass of mint lemon juice and an assiette of cold cuts. To toast in the last hour or so before landing I chose to go a champagne breakfast with a glass of the Pommery Brut NV.

Service throughout the flight was outstanding and despite the relatively full cabin the flight attendants had strong attention to detail.

Conclusion

Qatar is a highly regarded airline, and the reputation is justified. Its Business Class products are well designed, comfortable and for the most part offer a consistent experience despite the seat variations. The pillows and blankets provided are lush and comfortable. Amenity packs universal and pyjamas are comfortable to lounge and sleep in (when provided). Food on board is always to a high standard and service generally warm and attentive.

It was a struggle to decide which aircraft I liked more as the service, seat and food/ beverage options were all on par. In fact I was surprised they aligned so well considering I’ve been on different aircraft for another airline and their service/ seat was worlds apart. I’m calling this one a tie. You are on a winner regardless of which aircraft you fly the QSuite on!

Comments

Have you experienced flying QSuite on either the A350 or B777 or both? Did you love or dislike the experience? Hit up the comments section as I’m keen to hear your thoughts…

 

 

QATAR LAUNCHES NEW ECONOMY SEAT

Qatar Airways for a while had teased the world with its plans to introduce a new economy class seat and having seen their revolutionary business class product, I was hopeful they would also be revolutionary in the economy product.

Qatar have a habit of overhyping their launches (ie. their latest video/ film) and sometimes fails to deliver on the hype. This week the airline did it again with their new economy seat and whilst it’s a dramatic improvement to their current seat, it’s more enhancement than revolution.

There’s some great specification in it with the new seat featuring;

• 13.3 inch 4K widescreens
• Enhanced connectivity and faster wifi
• Enhanced legroom
• Adjustable, lightweight headrest
• Semi-fixed back shell design with a 19 degree recline system
• Pre-reclined position of six degrees for takeoff and landing
• Dual multi-function tables for maximum adaptability and table space
• USB Type C with high power fast charging capabilities

The biggest takeaway is obviously the widescreen TV and an innovative 19-degree recline system, meaning the seat will not recline by re-positioning the back of the seat and in turn impacting the space of the person behind you. Again these will improve the comfort of the passenger but overall not make a major difference to their journey.

One thing that has impressed me however is nothing to do with the seat but the new ‘QCuisine’ for economy passengers which will feature new menu items and greater choices, including larger main courses and desserts. Perfect for the one like myself who is always left peckish from the small airline servings on the plane.

The seat which will debut on the A321neo this year will eventually be installed on their rest of its fleet

Innovation or simple enhancement? Keen to hear your thoughts on the new Qatar economy seat.

 

QATAR LOOKS TO SHORTEN A380 FLEET LIFELINE

Qatar has a habit of annoying me lately. One moment it’s complete genius, the next aviation’s class clown. Admittedly a lot of it comes down to its CEO Al Baker and his often weird trails of thought. The man only in December was making noise around wanting to pull out of Oneworld, a partnership that has given the airline more coverage than it could imagine alone. Now in another blow to Airbus the man has decided that Qatar will start retiring their A380s once they hit the 10 year mark.

Qatar Airways has a total of 10 Airbus A380s in their fleet which they use on legs to Bangkok, Frankfurt, Guangzhou, Perth, London, Melbourne, Paris and Sydney.

Having one of the youngest A380 fleets globally (they took delivery of the A380s between 2014 and 2018), a retirement of the A380 isn’t imminent with the first aircraft to be retired in 2024.

The airline plans to replace the A380 fleet with the 777X. They currently have 60 of them on order. A move to the 777 will certainly see the end of their First Class as well as potentially their onboard bar, both of which are currently offered on the A380.

There’s the potential for this to change but again, a watch and see. I’m hoping there will be a change of heart at Qatar and that the superjumbo will have more years of flying to come under Qatar.

Are you disappointed by Qatar’s A380 retirement plans? Will you continue to fly them post their A380 switch? 

Singapore Airlines SIN-NYC flight set to take over as world’s longest

The age of flying non-stop has been very much in vogue over the last couple of years with numerous airlines trying to outdo each other with the world’s longest flight. Now Singapore Airlines has decided they want a piece of the action by launching what would be the world’s longest non-stop flight route in October. Commencing October 11, the ultra long haul flight will take off from Singapore’s Changi Airport and land at NYC’s Newark Liberty Airport.

What makes this fight even more unique is that the aircraft will not have any economy class seating, instead offering 67 business class and 94 premium economy class seats.

Operating three times weekly, Singapore will use their new Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range) plane to make the 19 hour journey that spans a whopping 16,700 kms.

Singapore Airlines originally flew the route on the A340 but fuel inefficiency saw this route shelved in 2013. The reinstatement of the route will see it eclipse the current longest flight route record holder Qatar Airways which flies Doha to Auckland (14,529 kms).

Comments

Would you be willing to fly 19 hours non-stop on a plane if it offered only premium seating? Keen to hear your thoughts.

 

Qatar rumoured to loan widebody aircraft to British Airways

British Airways Oneworld partner and stakeholder Qatar Airways is reviewing whether to loan planes like the Boeing 787 to the British carrier.

The Qatar airline which has a 20% stake in IAG generally has a good relationship with British Airways. This was seen in 2017 when BA crews went on strike in turn forcing a number of cancellations. As a solution to the potential crisis BA wet leased eight A320s planes (this included Qatar crew) from Qatar Airways.

Currently the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines that are being used on some 787s, which has lbecome an operational nightmare for some airlines with the engines requiring inspections and replacements.

BA has 26 Boeing 787s in their fleet which means several of their planes could be grounded. As an olive branch it is reported that Qatar Airways is potentially willing to lease British Airways some of their wide body aircraft.

Whilst this story is being reported by Bloomberg (which I have found to generally be a pretty good news source), I say watch this space. If the rumours are true, BA flyers could be looking at enjoying themselves an upgrade in terms of J class product quality with the Qatar aircraft loan.