BACKGROUND Qatar Airways deploys a small number of ex-Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its double daily Doha-Hong Kong route. The Oneworld carrier also offers a first-class cabin on the A380, and plans to launch a new first-class suite with the arrival of new aircraft.
THE LOUNGE I was looking forward to the Qatar Airways AI Safwa First Class Lounge. (Oneworld Emerald status holders are not granted access, which is unusual.)
The lounge has a striking design, with art and water displays more reminiscent of a modern museum than an airport lounge. However, there were surprisingly few seating options in the main area or by the bar. Large private shower rooms double as spa treatment suites, with towels and other amenities. The restaurant also offers à la carte dining, paired with Champagne and wines.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1724773960/articles/bWtWVdt0D1724927686241/1172189204.jpg]
BOARDING First-class passengers may board directly through the All Safwa lounge. You take a lift to a private limousine, or first-class bus, which takes you to the aircraft. I settled into seat 1A for the 7-hour 45-minute flight. The cabin director came by to introduce herself and offer pre-departure drinks with olives, cheese and a cold towel.
THE SEAT Qatar Airways' 777-300ER first-class cabin features six seats, spread across two rows in a 1-1-1 configuration. While they are not fully enclosed suites with doors, they remain spacious and comfy with excellent padding, although they are starting to show their age and could use some TLC. The faux wood panelling in 1A was chipped and there were lots of deep, visible scratches across virtually all surfaces, as well as some grime lurking in each corner of the IFE screen. Many Cathay vestiges remain too, including the name on the small entertainment screens.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1724773960/articles/bWtWVdt0D1724927686241/2243094282.jpg]
The left aisle has two seats, while the right has four. 1A and 2A are ideal for single travellers; 1D and 2D, and/ or 1K and 2K for larger parties. Each seat features an ottoman that can double as a buddy seat, plus an in-built closet that fits a full-size carry-on. Unfortunately, the wifi was not working for most of the flight. Curiously, Qatar Airways is charging for wifi access on these 777-300ER aircraft, even in first class.
THE FLIGHT Shortly after take-off, the crew handed out Dipt...
THE LOUNGE I was looking forward to the Qatar Airways AI Safwa First Class Lounge. (Oneworld Emerald status holders are not granted access, which is unusual.)
The lounge has a striking design, with art and water displays more reminiscent of a modern museum than an airport lounge. However, there were surprisingly few seating options in the main area or by the bar. Large private shower rooms double as spa treatment suites, with towels and other amenities. The restaurant also offers à la carte dining, paired with Champagne and wines.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1724773960/articles/bWtWVdt0D1724927686241/1172189204.jpg]
BOARDING First-class passengers may board directly through the All Safwa lounge. You take a lift to a private limousine, or first-class bus, which takes you to the aircraft. I settled into seat 1A for the 7-hour 45-minute flight. The cabin director came by to introduce herself and offer pre-departure drinks with olives, cheese and a cold towel.
THE SEAT Qatar Airways' 777-300ER first-class cabin features six seats, spread across two rows in a 1-1-1 configuration. While they are not fully enclosed suites with doors, they remain spacious and comfy with excellent padding, although they are starting to show their age and could use some TLC. The faux wood panelling in 1A was chipped and there were lots of deep, visible scratches across virtually all surfaces, as well as some grime lurking in each corner of the IFE screen. Many Cathay vestiges remain too, including the name on the small entertainment screens.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1724773960/articles/bWtWVdt0D1724927686241/2243094282.jpg]
The left aisle has two seats, while the right has four. 1A and 2A are ideal for single travellers; 1D and 2D, and/ or 1K and 2K for larger parties. Each seat features an ottoman that can double as a buddy seat, plus an in-built closet that fits a full-size carry-on. Unfortunately, the wifi was not working for most of the flight. Curiously, Qatar Airways is charging for wifi access on these 777-300ER aircraft, even in first class.
THE FLIGHT Shortly after take-off, the crew handed out Dipt...
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Business Traveller Uk (Digital) - 1 Issue, September 2024