Doha: Passengers flying in the premium cabin of the A340-600(HGW) aircraft of national carrier Qatar Airways will now have the added benefit of a dedicated onboard First Class lounge allowing them to relax and eat in the comfort of their very own special area.
Epitomising luxury and innovation, the new First Class lounge promises to be one of the best in the air when it takes to the skies this summer. The lounge features a stand-up bar with drinks rack and spotlight mood lighting. It also features cream leather sofas that can seat up to six passengers. Lampshades are positioned on two teak wooden tables, while a special additional aspect is electronically-operated window shades.
The general ambience of the lounge is one of comfort and relaxation with Qatar Airways' strong burgundy corporate colours very evident in the curtains, carpets and furniture.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker described the revolutionary changes as a "giant step forward" for the airline as it enters the next generation of air travel. "We are operating in one of the most competitive industries in the world where passengers have greater choice and are more demanding," he said.
"Qatar Airways is a relatively young full-service airline, less than 10 years old, yet we have led with innovation to become a well-reputed global business. This is reflected by our numerous awards. Our new First Class lounge on-board our A340-600 aircraft reflects the importance we pay to our most loyal customers - our premium class passengers who are looking for that little more attention, privacy and comfort. We cannot rest on our laurels which is why we are taking significant steps forward in both our image and product offering. This is the first livery change since Qatar Airways' re-launch in 1997. Over the next few weeks and months, we will be unveiling further details of our on-board product on the A340-600 and I promise they will be revolutionary in design and style."
"Qatar Airways is entering a new era. We are a confident and progressive airline which is why we are unveiling a bold new look that projects us as a more powerful brand. Any livery change will turn heads. We decided to drop the word 'Airways' from Qatar on our aircraft because we are positioning the airline as the national symbol of the State of Qatar which has become an economic force on the global stage."
Qatar Airways has ordered 10 A340-600s for deliveries beginning this summer over a two-year period. The aircraft is designed to operate long-haul flights such as Doha to Europe, United States, Far East and Australia. All new A340s joining the fleet will feature the new livery. Qatar Airways plans to make its first foray into the North American market later this year with direct non-stop scheduled flights to the US.
© The Peninsula 2006
