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Qatar has just unveiled their new business class product, and it is a game changer. The new seats called QSuite bring a level of luxury that puts many first-class products to the test.
The new suites are full of innovation for a Business class product and will be retrofitted to the airline’s oldest 777 before being rolled out to the rest of the fleet. The entire fleet is expected to be fitted out with the new QSuites by 2018.
QSuites
The new QSuite will be laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration similar to Qatar’s current Business class product. Every seat will have direct aisle access. Unlike the current Business Class seats which are open, the new seats will be enclosed for privacy with a door in a similar configuration to many of the First Class suites on the market today.
What makes the new QSuites truly innovative is the smart use of space and sliding panels. The two seats in the middle are configured as pairs facing each other, similar to British Airways and other companies’ Business seats. The innovation is in the screens—while normally the four passengers would be cocooned in privacy, with QSuites, the central dividers with the infotainment screens can be slid to one side, as well as the side dividers between the seats. This creates a great space for families or business travelers when together.
Another innovation is with the center pair of the four-seat layout, when turned into a bed they create a double bed similar to the one found in Singapore Suites. Although in both cases the lowered divider is still between the seats.
Solo Passengers and Service Enhancements
When flying solo, there is a great option with the individual suite by the window. The seat has the look and private feel of many First-class suites.
While Qatar has not fully outlined its service enhancements for the new Business class, dine on demand will be available, as well as an express breakfast for those rushing on business trips. Also, for couples or groups of passengers traveling together, who want to dine in a more social setting, the option of sharing platters will be made available.
Summary
Qatar is marketing its new product as “First” in Business, which is entirely appropriate when you compare this product to other First class products on the market. Qatar has raised the bar with their new QSuites; it will be interesting to see how the other carriers will respond to Qatar’s new offering. Finally, if this is going to be the level of offering from Qatar in Business class, one can only imagine what they are planning when they upgrade their first-class product. Personally, I can’t wait to try Qatar’s new QSuite.
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Similar concept to the Emirates first suites which are brilliant. Having just flown in business on Qatar in their 787, they really are leading the way on the premium experience.
Does anyone know if the fares will be comparable to today’s business class fares?
Well, would be really exciting to try one of those out if they’ll be priced as a business class product of course
It’s an interesting new product for sure. I would not want to be seated with a 3-person group in the middle aisle. Not seated adjacent to a 4 person middle group talking the whole time.
It looks very nice, I would love to try it at some point
Yes! More good stuff for the ultra rich! What a wonderful time to be alive.
Qatar is in oneworld alliance, right. I’ve had great success booking business class NYC to SE Asia with AA miles, mainly with Cathay Pacific. It would be great if you could use my AA miles to book one of those Qatar Suites. That would be sweet!
Looks great. Definitely adding this to the ‘want to fly’ list! Perhaps on our next Maldives trip…
Totally impressed!
great product and they rolled it out prior to the new SQ A380 suites. That one will be worth keeping a close eye on.
Looks like a great product. Excited to try it at some point.
Great upgrades to the product!
Great product – looking forward to try it soon hopefully!
a welcome addition to business class travel
this is really awesome for business class
Saw pics of this a few days back and very impressed. It appears Qatar are making biz seating as good if not better than most first class now. BA CW is no where any comparison now.
Awesome indeed.
I hope QR will offer these seats on their US routes very soon!
I don’t quite see the attraction and why bloggers are drooling over it. I suppose the centre seats will be good for families, but really quite a nightmare for any solo travelers stuck next to, or staring at a stranger…
So cool! Seems like this could balance the privacy you sometimes want with the boredom that you often have when confined to your own little seat area…
That looks incredible! Any idea of the best way to book one of these with Ultimate Rewards points?
They’re not available yet, and unfortunately, Ultimate Rewards isn’t the best currency to redeem in this scenario as BA is the only eligible partner. I’d look to SPG or ThankYou Points with Asiana, JAL, Malaysia or AA as a transfer for redemption when available.
Looks absolutely stunning and better/on par with most first cabins. How will they be able to get customers to pay a premium for travelling first when this is the business product?