Qatar Airways has welcomed the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft to Doha, showcasing the world’s most advanced wide body passenger aircraft throughout the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

The award-winning airline’s Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, commented on the aircraft’s arrival in Doha, saying:

“We are delighted to welcome the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft to Doha as part of its Demonstation Tour. Its arrival in Doha, as the first stop on this tour, has extra special significance for the people of Qatar, as Qatar Airways is the global launch customer for this incredible technologically-advanced aircraft. With this addition to our existing modern fleet, we will continue to set the standard in air travel for years to come.”

He added: “The delivery of the world’s first commercial A350-1000 next month is highly-anticipated by Qatar Airways passengers and employees. Our expert delivery staff have been working in partnership with Airbus to ensure a prompt entry into service so we can deliver outstanding levels of comfort, thanks to the A350-1000’s spacious cabins and advanced technology. We very much look forward to welcoming the A350-1000 into our growing fleet of more than 200 aircraft.”

Airbus Chief Operating Officer and President Commercial Aircraft, Mr. Fabrice Brégier, also commented: “We are delighted that one of our A350-1000 test aircraft visited Doha as the first stop on a global Demonstration Tour to salute Qatar Airways, the global launch customer for the aircraft. At Airbus we look forward to delivering the world’s first A350-1000 to Qatar Airways in the coming weeks.”

During the aircraft’s visit to Doha, it performed an impressive fly-by over the iconic Doha corniche. The A350-1000 is 23 feet longer than its sister aircraft, the Airbus A350-900, for which Qatar Airways was also the global launch customer.

The A350-1000 offers a substantial increase in capacity with extra seating onboard, a more powerful Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine, a modified wing trailing edge and a new six-wheel main landing gear. It also provides enhanced levels of passenger comfort, thanks to its advanced light-weight carbon composite design and high-quality interior finish.

In 2017 Qatar Airways was voted Skytrax ‘World’s Best Airline’ by travellers from around the world, as well as winning a raft of other major awards at last year’s ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’

Qatar Airways flies to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. The airline is launching a host of exciting new destinations in 2018, including Penang, Malaysia; Canberra, Australia; and Cardiff, UK, to name just a few.

For more information and to book your next flight, visit qatarairways.com.