Qatar Airways has revealed all-new business class suites with sliding 'privacy doors' and middle seats which convert into a double bed.
The airline promises the first-influenced design – dubbed the Qsuite, built by seatmarker B/E Aerospace and in development for three years – will bring "a new level of luxury" to business class.
The staggered 1-2-1 layout allows every second pair of middle seats to become a double bed – providing your seatmate is of a similar mind to you, of course.
The paired middle seats alternate: in one row the seats are directly next to each other, in the next they are more noticeably separated.
Going one step further, however, the 21.5-inch video screens between each middle row can slide back...
... so that all four passengers can enjoy a 'family room' approach.
Each suite is well-appointed, with the seat itself measuring 21.5 inches wide and joined by further personal space around, plus a range of controls to adjust the seat into the perfect position...
... which can also be used to transform the seat into a fully-flat bed of 79 inches:
The high walls are a clear influence drawn from the first class suites of competitors Emirates, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines.
These stand at 135cm from base to top, being high enough for privacy but low enough for the crew to peer in and offer assistance without having to open the door.
The doors open and close by hand, and feel quite heavy, as they're of solid construction and aren't in any way transparent:
When you're done dozing or are ready to emerge, just slide the door open again and you're all set:
Speaking of sleep, there's also a hotel-style 'do not disturb' button which changes the colour of the seat light from white to red, indicating your wish to be left alone:
There's an NFC contactless reader too which lets you set up an inflight video and music playlist using the Qatar Airways app on your smartphone ahead of your flight and, when you're onboard, tap the phone to transfer that playlist to your suite's entertainment system.
We expect the reader can be used to make quick card payments for services like inflight phone calls and perhaps even inflight Internet as well.
(Many aircraft already have credit card readers embedded into the remote control to unlock inflight calling and SMS, but a contactless reader such as above would also prove compatible with Apple Pay, Android Pay and other smartphone and smart watch transactions, meaning you won't have to fish your wallet and credit card out of your bag mid-flight.)
Qatar Airways – especially CEO Akbar Al Baker, whom most employees simply refer to as 'The Chief' – is known for exacting attention to detail, and the Qsuites appear to be no exception.
The finishes are exacting and high-end.
Al Baker boasts that the Qsuite "will change the way people travel in business class", and says the patented design will prevent other airlines from copying the product.
Alongside the new Qsuites, Qatar Airways promises to introduce upgrades to business class "dining, amenities, entertainment and service."
For a closer look inside the new Qsuites, watch this three-minute video:
First Qsuite flights in June
The first Qatar Airways jet to fly the Qsuites will be a factory-fresh Boeing 777-300ER on the Doha-London route from June.
This will be followed by the new Airbus A350-1000 in the second half of the year, for which Qatar is the global launch customer.
Qatar Airways will also "aggressively retrofit" the new suites across its existing its Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 fleets at a rate of one aircraft per month.
The Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 will see a similar-but-different skew of the seat – with the same emphasis on privacy – because the initial version of Qsuite won't fit onto the narrower Boeing 787 and isn't compatible with the curved walls of the A380's upper deck, where Qatar has its superjumbo business class.
Speaking with Australian Business Traveller, Al Baker confirmed these Qsuites would be more so a "tweak" when compared with the A350 and Boeing 777 product, rather than another design entirely.
"You will (still) have 100% privacy, so when you are within your space you will be able to be totally independent from other passengers," Al Baker explains.
Qatar Airways will retain first class only on its Airbus A380 superjumbos, with all other aircraft topping out at business class, but is considering updating the first class design to create fully-private suites.
Australian Business Traveller is attending ITB Berlin as a guest of Qatar Airways.
A former contributor to Executive Traveller, Chris lives by the motto that a journey of a thousand miles begins not just with a single step, but also a strong latte, a theatre ticket, and later in the day, a good gin and tonic.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Feb 2017
Total posts 24
As a pleasure business class flyer, I'd have to say the cabins look isolating. How can I have a good chat to my husband?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 169
I'd assume the middle seats factor this in somehow. Also, you can always leave the doors open!
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1451
Honestly I do not understand idiots that voting down post above (mine doom to be voted down also :-)))
Not everyone equal and some (believe it or not!) like to travel in pairs and with new breed of J seats they flying on the same plane, but indeed not together. What is wrong if they like to travel together?
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2547
I believe many airlines underestimate this aspect of the middle seats in business class, and that while most business class travellers are flying solo, some are flying with a colleague and quite some with a partner - and not being able to easily chat with, share the experience with, such a seatmate is a disincentive for those folk.
Qantas certainly found this out with its original A330 Business Suite middle seat pair, which was quickly modified for the Boeing 787 to include an A380-style 'privacy divider' which slides up or down.
Some years back I was using my points to send my parents on an international business class flight and they definitely wanted seats where they could sit together and be easily able to chat a bit if they wanted, not have to lean forward (this ruled out Cathay Pacific, for example).
We've heard that the middle seats in the new Qatar business class may have such drop-down dividers... we've even heard mention of them converting to a 'double bedroom'... so there still may be a glimmer of hope for high-flying couples :)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 169
It's a definite downside to a lot of new or next generation J products. It's a hard compromise to strike - for every couple travelling in J who want to sit next to each other and talk easily you might have 5 business people who loathe the idea of someone in close proximity. I think products like QF's new version of the A330 suite strike a good balance - not too close if your neighbour is a stranger but definitely close enough to talk. I'd hope QR have built some kind of retractable screen in the middle pairs. I think the crux is the option needs to be there without any aspect of forced closeness! QR, CX et al do make talking very difficult in their current J product.
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
10 Aug 2015
Total posts 79
I'm expecting something similar to the QR F divider (not that I've had the pleasure). I like EY's J divider A380/789.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1451
In my humble opinion the best layout is found in some AY A330 and some Swiss planes - I am talking about layout with "The Throne". Here there are variety of configuration - very private solo seat nearby window and away from aisle, "The Throne" and pair of seats that the best suited for a pair and located in front and rear of "The Throne". Yes CX and alike layout tick almost all boxes - almost because it does not cater for pairs in the best way.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Feb 2014
Total posts 146
Delta really has set a standard for business class on their A350 fleet. I'm curious to see how much better Qatar's "super business class" will be.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3031
Couples chatting loudly on a red eye in Business class, when everyone wants to sleep is such a joy. Granted this occurs mostly on continental European flights. Maybe it's a Eurotrash thing?
03 May 2013
Total posts 660
Means less families and kids hopefully too who, at times, can ruin the J experience for adults.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 169
QR are live streaming the event on FB for those interested:)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Dec 2012
Total posts 38
Wow, this is stunning. Definitely a First Class product by definition of most airlines. The only way to go beyond this would be to have a Suite like EY's apartments - and I'm guessing that's what QR will do with their A380 First retrofits. Seems like they have a very cohesive branding moving forward.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3031
Looking forward to try it. Hopefully the price remains competitive!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
25 Jul 2013
Total posts 62
This is really innovative. I am very impressed. Not only is it a well configured design but will actually change the way people use the cabin. (The sliding tv screens creating the 4-way dining room - amazing!)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2011
Total posts 363
Wow....and a new best in class has been realised. Looks like an amazing product. However I can't help thinking poor Qantas. Their product on the A380 now looks even more positively ancient.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Feb 2017
Total posts 25
Beats hands down even Qantas First class product. Hurry up and upgrade the whole fleet already QF!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Oct 2016
Total posts 63
It's an impressive package, I'm not doubting that, but it is a big call regarding a blanket favourable comparison to Qantas - and other airlines' First class (Emirates Suite not withstanding).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Jul 2013
Total posts 17
Looks great. I don't think I would pay to sit in this end. I worry about the safety of it when it comes to evacuation. Imagine the chaos with locked doors. Those on the back end would get out first!
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2577
As is standard of all airlines with sliding doors in the cabin, the doors are locked in the open position by the cabin crew for take-off and landing. You can only close them during the flight, and they never lock in the closed position for safety reasons.
14 Jun 2013
Total posts 360
Absolutely amazing. If Qatar had said this was their new A350 first class everybody would have believed them, but this is the now the new standard for business class!
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 15
Incredible! My only concern right now is how much noise you could get from a family of four sitting together, we already know how noisy one or two kids can be with a parent, but put the whole family together in this 'open living room' design and I reckon there will be a LOT of noise.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1451
If you THAT concern get your private jet and travel in peace!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Mar 2017
Total posts 30
Well, isn't that what noise cancelling headphone are for? My Bose headphones knock out crying babies. So put 'em on and enjoy the peace!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 596
The foot cubby area looks really tight similar to SQ where you bang your feet on the sides if you move
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
28 Jul 2013
Total posts 81
Interesting concept re: the double bed concept. I would be interested to understand the policy if a gay couple want to book this double bed concept - knowing that UAE has an unfriendly policy... Imprisonment on arrival?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 684
Perhaps you missed the 3rd photo from the top, showing two females in the centre pair? I'm not sure whether the couple are gay or indeed a Mother and teenage daughter, but the PR pic appears as a subtle positive, in my opinion. One designed not to encourage 'pre-judgement' on any level.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2014
Total posts 112
Qatar is not part of the UAE.
09 Mar 2017
Total posts 2
But having lived there I can confirm it does have the same, if not more, draconian laws
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 169
It's impressive and innovative, no question. Sneaky suspicion the quadrant setup might be better in theory - not sure it'll actually be used that way very often but that's not a downside. It looks roomier than EK F and if pricing stays the same I'll be very keen to try it. Hope it's a comfy seat too :)
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
06 Feb 2014
Total posts 71
Apart from the sliding doors and the ability to convert the middle 2 seats into a double bed, this looks identical to the Etihad business studio, unfortunately with the same curving footwell when in the bed mode, which restricts foot space when sleeping. I prefer the current Business seat on the Qatar A 380 or in Cathay business class which does not restrict Foot space. Still waiting for that perfect business class seat!
05 Dec 2013
Total posts 38
Is it just me or do the seats not have arm rests? Also curious to know how much total space the entire seat areas each occupy.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 684
If you look very closely at the centre row (close) pairs, there are definitely 2 dark brown, hard-to-see, armrests. This is visible in the top, 3rd and very last (video) pics. Yes, the guy is sitting somewhat awkwardly but I think you'll see that the bend of his elbow is right back and the woman's arm is positioned forward of his. Just a slightly odd shot.
On the centre pairs with the surround shell permeating in-between (the centre row wide pairs), there is no visible armrest that I can see.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1103
Looks impressive though the lack of an armrest is kind of weird. The bloke in the first photo looks like he doesn't quite know what to do with his right arm.
06 Jan 2015
Total posts 69
It looks fantastic for a business class product and will be industry leader, but calling it first? Please, it's not even close to as spacious as most first class products on most airlines flying with F.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 169
It can't be as spacious as F - economically that would never work. Calling it business-first is not that far off the mark. Is it closer to J than F? Yes but of course it is, it is still business class.
06 Jan 2015
Total posts 69
I agree with everything you said, my comment was not aimed at the airline but at other readers' comments.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 169
Ohh, now i'm with you. Yeah, other than beating EK F plus a couple of older products like LH it's definitely not an F class beater :)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Jul 2015
Total posts 40
This looks great and I can't wait to try it. I have avoided Qatar on routes where they offer the 2-2-2 config in business.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Oct 2016
Total posts 63
I noted a similar issue in the community forums, I do wonder if Qatar is aggressively looking to own the 'Q' Branding with these suites. This could get interesting...
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 375
Q is just a letter, like any other. It's like Cadbury trying to claim the colour purple. As much as you may want to, you can't claim it for yourself.
20 May 2015
Total posts 586
So... basically Etihad's business studio with a different set of finishes/furnishings, an added door and flexible privacy screens.
30 Jun 2016
Total posts 51
Exactly my thoughts. Same dovetail design and similar space.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Jun 2011
Total posts 88
The quad seat looks good in theory but in the pics the boy is not sitting properly in his seat and has had to shuffle inwards and/or forwards to see and be seen by those on the other side...
03 May 2013
Total posts 660
Nice and sophisticated and a true premium product worth paying for...Qantas take note. Makes even your your new J suite look outdated - a teeny bit.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Mar 2017
Total posts 30
Well perhaps a teeny lot! In passenger comfort, QF is always a follower - a long way behind...but never a leader. On the other hand, QF leads the world in airline safety - so I guess we can't have everything.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1451
It is indeed far more revolutionary than QF PE seats! Kudos to Qatar for catering for pairs and even families!
I have a curiosity - what HDMI socket doing here? Does it mean that I can use their massive screen as my laptop external display?
30 Nov 2016
Total posts 18
For the seat which has the console between it and the window, can anyone guess what that small space which in the photo contains a red pillow is for (8th picture)? Also, whilst a great looking product, I can't imagine wanting to be seated right next to a complete stranger for 14 hours+ in one of the middle seats. What if you both put your seat into bed mode at the same time? Does that mean you're effectively sharing a double bed with stranger?
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
11 Mar 2015
Total posts 194
looks as good as EK first class and half price-certainly a challenge for all those high end airlines to up their games.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
11 Mar 2015
Total posts 194
yes it's still far from Sq's business class seats for width and comfort
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 135
It's almost like a de-facto first class suite
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 135
If they redesign their first class seats, i think we can anticipate that they will be very spacious and luxurious
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
22 Apr 2013
Total posts 147
"...allows every second pair of middle seats to become a double bed – providing your seatmate is of a similar mind to you, of course."
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Oct 2016
Total posts 126
I must be a naysayer because I see this as a logical development to a BA seating arrangement, only the "4 pod" is really new, not the double bed, that is evolution.
I know it is the current trend but I don't like the 21.5" width, there seems to be a lot of waste to the side, even if it means a tighter footwell... I will take JAL's mini suite - although it was a bit short for me the extra width suits my (side) sleeping style
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2017
Total posts 42
And Qantas are shouting out that they are being revoluntary by offering inflight wifi and plan to update their prehistoric A380 with business suites which have been used on their A330 for years. I know where I'd rather spend my $... well done Qatar for actually offering revolutionary products and services.
Qatar Airways
06 Jul 2016
Total posts 48
For personal reasons I echo wozcor1's comments about same sex couples and the 'double bed'. My partner and I are both Qatar Silver card holders, but we've never been treated as a couple when flying with them.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
24 Feb 2016
Total posts 18
I find this reaction really odd. The finishes are fantastic, the technology looks great, but is anyone else seeing how narrow these seats are? This looks like a very well dressed average ME3 business class seat - not revolutionary and certainly not a first-class killer.
08 Oct 2011
Total posts 51
Looks like a superd offering from Qatar. But I wonder at what cost. While it their biz class may be more luxurious, if the fare becomes too expensive many employers may ban business class travel for their staff.
10 Mar 2017
Total posts 1
In our eyes, they remain the best in their class. We fly Qatar for both private / family and on business, so lets hope they keep their prices competitive.
BA
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 21
It looks all very nice but I personally dislike the alternate front/rear facing seating layout to the extent that I now try to avoid it where possible and as the forward facing ones tend to get booked out quickly I tend to use other carriers to avoid a rear facing seat. BA for example is no longer on my option list.
I am a great fan of QR and where possible travel with them on my Aus/UK/Aus flights but this layout will probably now cause me to seek an alternative carrier (CX or even QF perhaps) on the Aus/UK/Aus routes.
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