Qatar Airways launches 787 London Heathrow service
Above: Qatar Airways’ 787 Dreamliner - flight QR075 - landing at Heathrow this morning.
Despite wintry weather, Qatar Airways’ 787 – flight QR075 – was warmly welcomed at London Heathrow this morning by a special arrival ceremony.
An official delegation from Doha was on the inaugural flight from the airline’s Doha hub, including Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and VIP guest His Excellency Michael O’Neill, British Ambassador to the State of Qatar.
The Dreamliner’s debut from the Doha-based carrier marks the start of an exciting new era for travellers to and from the UK, who will have the opportunity to travel the world onboard one of the most spacious and comfortable aircraft in the skies today.
Combining breakthrough technology with a human approach to design, it is the first time Boeing has developed a plane from the point of view of passenger experience. Qatar Airways worked closely with Boeing on the design interiors being a key customer of the manufacturer’s newest aircraft. The 787 is designed as the next generation aircraft for air travel well into the 21st century.
On arrival at Heathrow, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Today we inaugurate our 787 on the London Heathrow route, putting Qatar Airways firmly on the global aviation map as a carrier with a determination to continue its expansion drive and improve an already superior in-flight product.
"The Doha – Heathrow route is one of our most popular international routes and it was only fitting that we deploy our new 787 to and from London.”
Initially, one of the airline's five daily flights is being operated with the Boeing 787 – Flight QR 075 departing Doha at 0625 hrs, arriving at London Heathrow at 1105 hrs, with the return flight
QR 076 departing London Heathrow at 1505 hrs, arriving in Doha at 0045 hrs the following day.
Qatar Airways took delivery of the first of 60 Dreamliners last month with the third 787 joining the airline’s fleet just days ago. Since taking delivery of its first 787 four weeks ago, Qatar
Airways has been flying the aircraft between Doha and both Dubai and Kuwait allowing cabin crew to familiarise themselves with the airplane.
Al Baker said: “We will be introducing the Dreamliner on our daily Doha – Perth route from February 1 next year, the first ever 787 commercial service to Australia giving travellers
between the UK and Australia a unique 787 experience of unrivalled comfort and style all the way with the world’s Five Star and Best Airline.”
Above: Qatar Airways' CEO Akbar Al Baker in the cockpit.
Soon after arrival, Al Baker was back on board the aircraft giving assembled guests at Heathrow a personal tour of the 787 and its unique features.
