Qatar Airways’ new Boeing 787 in Farnborough flying display

Qatar Airways’ very first Boeing 787 Dreamliner took to the skies above Farnborough in a never-seen-before public flying display.

The seven-minute demonstration flights over three days showcase the sophisticated engineering and visual appeal of the aircraft, giving tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts from around the world, as well as the global aerospace industry, a first-hand glimpse of the Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner in flight.The aerial display also marks the first ever, and much anticipated, Dreamliner flying demonstration at an international aerospace event.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker said, “We are thrilled to showcase Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner at Farnborough this year and the debut of our Boeing 787 in Qatar Airways’ livery marks a significant milestone for our airline … The first of our 60 Boeing 787s on order will set new standards in service and excellence as we continue to grow aggressively, bringing a heightened level of luxury and state-of-the-art engineering to the skies with these new-generation aircraft.”

Qatar Airways’ new 787s feature a total of 254 seats in a two-class configuration of 22 in Business and 232 in Economy.Passengers can catch up on their sleep onboard with fully flat 80-inch long and 30-inch wide Business Class seats, while Economy offers 32-inch pitch seats providing a new level of comfort in the skies.

Keeping in line with technological advances, Qatar Airways has included an iTouch touch control unit, through which more than 1,000 movies, programming and audio entertainment options are accessible, together with an iPort, USB port and remote data outlet for travellers.

Upon entering service, Qatar Airways’ first 787 will initially operate on intra-Gulf routes before making its maiden long-haul commercial flight between Doha and London Heathrow.
Farnborough International Airshow, one of the world’s largest airshows, opens its doors today.

The air show is the biggest outdoor event in the UK this year barring the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.

Over 250,000 visitors from around the world are expected to visit this year’s show, including 130,000 for the public show to experience a weekend of family entertainment at its most thrilling.

Over 50 aircraft will be on static display across the weekend and together with a range of exhilarating rides, interactive exhibits, prototype cars, flight simulators, extreme sports demonstrations and restaurants and cafes to suit every taste, the 48th Farnborough International Airshow promises to be a great family day out.

Taking place every second year, the scale and popularity of the show continues to have a positive impact on the economy with an independent report estimating a contribution of over £30 million.

Total exhibitors total 1,400 with country pavilions from the likes of Italy, France, Russia, USA and Mexico all filled with prospective business partners.-Agencies