All business class jet launched by Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is launching a new daily business class service from its hub in Doha to London Heathrow.

The service will be the first of its kind in the Middle East when it launches on May 15.

The plane is an Airbus A319 aircraft fitted with 40 business class seats in a 2 -2 configuration with a single aisle.

The airline currently operates five daily flights to London Heathrow and this additional will step up the frequency on the Doha – London Heathrow route from 35 to 42 weekly services.

Chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “Today’s announcement reaffirms Qatar Airways’ determination to continue its expansion drive by improving an already superior in-flight product.

“The airline goes to great lengths to consider passenger convenience and comfort at every step of their journey. The Doha – London Heathrow route is one of Qatar Airways’ most popular international routes and it was only fitting that we introduce an all business class service on this key route, where customers will also be able to benefit from our new Qatar Airways premium lounge in London Heathrow’s terminal four, and the Premium Terminal in Doha."

The new A319 business class seat will have one of the highest specifications for business class travel of any airline with wide seats that recline into fully flat beds and state of the art Oryx entertainment system (with more than 900 entertainment options? –? movies, television, video games and music). There will also be a SMS mobile service.

Currently undergoing rapid expansion, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world.

As part of its aggressive expansion programme, the airline will launch routes to eight new destinations during 2014: Sharjah (UAE) from March 1; Dubai World Central (UAE) from March 1; Philadelphia (USA) from April 2; Larnaca (Cyprus) from April 29; Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (Turkey) from May 22; Edinburgh (Scotland) from May 28; Miami (USA) from June 10; and Dallas/Fort Worth (USA) from July 1.

The new Doha – London Heathrow service will fly at the following times:
Depart Doha QR015 at 14:50 hrs, arrives in London Heathrow 20:25 hrs
Depart London Heathrow QR016 at 21:55 hrs, arrives in Doha 06:40 hrs