Airbus, Boeing prep new 'stretch jets' for Qatar, Singapore Airlines
By David Flynn, January 9 2018
2018 will see Airbus and Boeing launch their latest passenger-packing jets, which extend the framework of current Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 designs to carry even more travellers from tip to tail.
First up is the Airbus A350-1000, which global launch customer Qatar Airways will begin flying this month (and shown below in the company of the smaller A350-900).
Airbus specs the A350-1000 as 366 passengers "in a standard three-class configuration", compared to a comparable 325 passengers on the A350-900.
However, Qatar's A350-1000 will be decked out with just 327 seats across two cabins: there'll be 46 of the elegant Qsuites in business class, and 281 economy seats down the back of the bus, compared to 283 seats on the Oneworld member's A350-900 jets.
Those Qsuites will be divided into 22 forward-facing and 26 rear-facing business class suites...
... with the middle suites able to convert to six double beds...
... and six 'quad suites'.
The elongated Boeing 787-10 is expected to follow in March when Singapore Airlines picks up the keys to the newest member of its fleet.
Boeing pegs the 787-10's capacity at some 330 passengers over two cabin classes, although there's no word yet on Singapore Airlines' own cabin configuration.
What we do know is that this biggest Dreamliner will see the debut of an all-new regional business class seat, embracing a pod-like design with a lie-flat bed and direct aisle access for every passenger.
Read more: Here is Singapore Airlines' new 2018 regional business class seat
It's understood that the 787-10, like its regional Airbus A350-900 siblings, won't have a premium economy cabin.
Australia is highly likely to see the Boeing 787-10 appear on some routes, although the airline's flagship Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER will remain in the mix for larger cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Sep 2012
Total posts 234
Looking forward to both jets gracing our skies in the near future!
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1209
It's interesting that SQ have been so coy regarding the configuration of its 78Js. Maybe they will go for the 9 abreast Y class to maintain their reputation as a premier carrier..... we can only hope!!!
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 377
You mean 8 across?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 584
They will probably just do what QF did by having 1 inch extra legroom but as 3-3-3 in Y. And their regional J will likely be similar staggered layout as what QF use for their 19hr flights.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1209
Yes thanks for the correction ...sorry
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Mar 2015
Total posts 232
The Qatar seating looks great but there's NO WAY I will ever travel in those horrible rear facing seats.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Dec 2015
Total posts 9
I did LA to Chicago on a AA 787 business class in a rear facing seat, it was great. What don't you like about rear facing?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Nov 2017
Total posts 114
Please also give info re Y class config eg 8 or 9 across on the SIA 787. Not all business travellers always fly up the front.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2555
When we have SQ's confirmed layout for the A350-1000 we'll share those details here and will note if economy is 8-across or 9-across.
23 May 2014
Total posts 119
I would say - unfortunately - the chances of them going 8 across are slim to none (no pun intended). 9 across has pretty much established itself as standard for the Dreamliner in Y, good reason to avoid it...
11 Dec 2015
Total posts 85
Agreed. Best hope that your local city is deemed long-haul and retains the 777/A380.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jul 2014
Total posts 32
I love flying the 787 - I always arrive feeling so much better than any other aircraft I can think of. I switch between Premium and Business depending upon how long the flight is. If the 787-10 has no premium I have to assume it is because it will be used for shorter distance flights?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Mar 2015
Total posts 232
justin case : I don't like the rearward facing seats because I like to know where I'm going rather than where I've been.
21 Aug 2015
Total posts 86
Pity QF weren't smart enough to get a few 350s......especially the long range ones......most comfortable aircraft in the sky. The 1000 will be fantastic.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jul 2014
Total posts 32
That's interesting about the 350. I don't doubt you, I have not had enough experience on the 350 but I've had hundreds of hours on the 787 which JAL flies and it is superb experience. The construction means the cabin pressure and humidity are much higher than other aircraft making the whole experience much more pleasant. I now have less "dry eye", irritated nasal membranes and fatigue than at any time over the last 30 years of international flying in any class. I didn't know the 350 was on par or ahead - I have to try one!
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