SEATTLE, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE:
BA) and Qatar Airways today celebrated the delivery of the
airline's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airplane, the first of
30 787s ordered by the Doha-based
airline, is also the first to be delivered to an airline in the
Middle East.
"We are delighted to receive our first Dreamliner, an aircraft
which we expect will establish new benchmarks for reliability and
comfort, when combined with Qatar Airways' signature passenger
experience," said Akbar Al Baker,
Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways. "Our decision to invest
in this game-changing airplane, which represents the future of air
travel, reflects our firm belief in its unrivaled capabilities and
the value it will add to our fleet and network expansion
plans."
Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the
first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and
will allow airlines such as Qatar Airways to open new, non-stop
routes preferred by the traveling public. The airline has announced
that it will deploy the Dreamliner on services to Dubai, London Heathrow, Delhi and Zurich, with others planned as additional 787s
join the fleet.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Qatar Airways is one of the
most remarkable airline success stories of our time and it is only
fitting that it has taken delivery of the most technologically
advanced jetliner of our time," said Ray
Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
"The 787, with its unmatched fuel efficiency and passenger comfort,
is certain to enable Qatar Airways' plans to continue to deliver on
its promise of quality and profitability. Today's delivery marks
the beginning of a new chapter in Boeing's partnership with Qatar
Airways, which is based on a mutual commitment to
excellence."
In addition to providing airlines with unprecedented fuel
economy and low operating costs, the 787 features a host of new
technologies that greatly enhance the passenger experience. Qatar
Airways' customers will also experience cabin environment
improvements such as improved lighting, bigger windows, larger
overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation
systems, among other features. The airline's 787 cabins are
configured with 22 seats in Business Class and 232 in Economy.
Qatar Airways' first Boeing 787 is also the airline's
32nd Boeing airplane and will join a fleet of 31 Boeing
777 passenger and cargo aircraft. The Doha-based airline currently flies to a global
network of 120 destinations across Europe, Middle
East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North
America and South
America.
Contact:
Saffana Michael
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+9 7150-4590651
saffana.michael2@boeing.com
Photo and caption will be available here:
http://boeing.mediaroom.com
SOURCE Boeing