The next generation of Qsuites for Qatar Airways will feature more space and more privacy for passengers. And, perhaps most importantly, an opportunity for those who prefer the window seat to take advantage of the communal nature of the product.
We are excited to have finally revealed the long-awaited Qsuite Next Gen at the Farnborough International Airshow. Qatar Airways has once again raised the bar for its award-winning product, the Qsuite. – Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO
Set to premier on the carrier’s 777-9 fleet, the new business class seats will feature Panasonic Avionics‘ Astrova 4K OLED screens. Unlike on every other aircraft, however, the screens will be configured to slide out of the way if passengers want.
The movable screen creates a much more open experience for the center four section. And for the outboard pairs – ie window seats – it now allows for companion dining or generally just sharing space for the flight.
Qatar Airways also notes that the suite seat will be wider, as will the “double bed” layout on board. This is facilitated in part by the increased interior space available on the 777X frame.
The airline touts “taller, digitally controlled dividers” to increase privacy on board. Indeed, multiple features of the new seats appear to be tied in to a digital controller embedded in the seat (and separate from the IFE controller puck). Lighting will be digitally controlled in the seats. Passengers will also have the option to secure items in a small drawer, setting a personal combination on the digital display.
Such digital controls are popular these days, but also generally seen as an accessibility challenge. Tapping through menus to figure out how to raise the seat rarely makes for a great passenger experience. And it can be downright frustrating for those lacking fine motor skills or who are visually impaired.
One curious timing question on the rollout comes from the airline’s suggestion that the seats will be available “on-board the Qatar Airways Boeing B777-9 aircraft by 2025.” No other airlines expect to have a 777X in service before early 2026. Whether Qatar Airways is overly optimistic or just didn’t update its press release with the latest from Boeing remains to be seen.
More news from the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow
- Boeing scores orders, customer rebuke at Farnborough’s day one
- Lufthansa Technik adds 787 retrofit capacity
- Window seats win with Qatar Airways’ next gen Qsuites
- Airbus, flynas deliver largest order for Farnborough 2024
- Turkish Airlines unveils Crystal Suite business class cabin
- Turkish plans free inflight Wi-Fi
- Embraer plans satellite connectivity for E175s
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