When I was invited to Qatar with Qatar Airways to view the inaugural launch of their new and innovative aircraft, the A350XWB, I jumped on board for what would be an incredible adventure.
A little background on Qatar.
Qatar is the safest (yep, #1) country in both Africa and the Middle East, and #15 safest country behind the US, Canada and most European countries. The Qatari people are some of the kindest and funniest people I have met from my globetrotting adventures, and this former British ruled locale is just incredible.
There are 200,000 Qataris, and 1.2 million expats from all over the world, lending to an international atmosphere. An interesting blending of cultures who have come together to grow the richest country per capita in the world due to its production of natural gas.
The plane, The plane!
Now, let’s get back to the plane, which I journeyed over 18,000 miles and 20 plus hours to the capital city of Doha for.
Qatar Airways, Airbus, and Rolls Royce collaborated on a newly designed aircraft called the A350xwb (xwb for extra wide body).
I was invited to the airline’s press conference, and then a site tour of the plane.
Mr. Didier Evrard from Airbus explained that Qatar’s A350 is a great moment for both Qatar Airways and Airbus. “The world’s most advanced customer jet built with carbon material for the fuselage and wings,” he said. He also noted that these improvements raise the bar for the entire airline industry.
Mr. Eric Schultz, President Civil Large Engines/Rolls Royce mentioned, “What Qatar Airways has done is absolutely spectacular.” By overhauling things like doing away with fuel transfer pumps, makes for more efficiency. Hydrology will only need 2 circuits versus three— used on other aircraft.
All these changes equal 25% less fuel burn versus fuel usage on 777 series.
Inside the cabins travelers will notice the extra wide body in business class, and a slightly larger 18-inch coach seat. HEPA filters will renew air every two to three minutes, and there will be lower cabin pressure at 6,000 feet. All seats have personal entertainment systems. Small nuances that will help make long-haul travel less stressful for passengers.
Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive for airline noted, “Qatar Airways leads the way on innovation, and if we didn’t have Qatar Airlines, we wouldn’t have millions of passengers visiting Qatar.”
Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive for airline noted, “Qatar Airways leads the way on innovation, and if we didn’t have Qatar Airlines, we wouldn’t have millions of passengers visiting Qatar.”
I toured the new aircraft, which is quite impressive, and had the chance to speak with Captain Martin Nicolas, a Qatar Airways pilot who is moving from A330 aircraft to the new A350.
After pointing out improvements in the cockpit, from larger windows to a series of six computer screens that bring up information at the touch of a knob, I asked Captain Nicolas what was most exciting aspect of the launch. “It’s amazing to be part of the start of this new generation and launch of A350 flights,” he said.
Qatar Airways A350xwb’s first flight will commence January 15 from Doha to Frankfurt.
To learn more and book a flight: