It was just over four years ago that Boeing announced that Qatar Airways had purchased a large order of jets. That order consisted of 787-9s, 777-300ERs, and the 737 MAX. While delivery of these jets has come a little later than originally scheduled, we now have a better idea of when and where they will be put into service.
The 787-9 is new to Qatar Airways, which had been previously operating the 787-8. Photo: Boeing
Where Qatar Airways’ new 787-9 is flying
According to One Mile At A Time, the 787-9 has been listed on the Qatar Airways Cargo website as going into service today. It’s been noted that the 787-9s have been slated to operate flights to Kuwait, London, Mumbai, and Paris.
The flights out of Doha (DOH) are as follows:
Kuwait (KWI): QR8382/8383
London (LHR): QR8850/8851
Mumbai (BOM): QR8303/8304
Paris (CDG): QR8852/8853
However, it’s quite interesting to note that when entering all of these flight numbers into FlightRadar24.com, the 787-9 type doesn’t always show up. In fact, it’s only the Doha-Mumbai flight that shows the 787-9. All other flights are showing that they will be operated by the 777-300ER. This data will likely be updated closer to the time of the actual flights.
Already in Mumbai at the moment, the aircraft registered as A7-BHC on FlightRadar24.com only has its one outbound flight listed. The return flight to Doha isn’t even shown on the flight tracking website. Photo: FlightRadar24.com
The Qatar 787-9 origin story
It’s been quite a journey getting Qatar Airways’ 787-9 into service. In late March, the airline finally took delivery of the longer Dreamliners. However, the jets first arrived in Doha all the way back in December 2019. The funny part is that they were immediately returned to Victorville in California to have their interiors fitted.
Advertisement
Check prices and Book Cheap flights and hotels Now
Onboard the carrier’s new 787-9s are the second-generation of QSuite. These appear to be almost the same as the original. A double suite and bed can still be created by lowering partitions.
Qatar Airways has ordered 30 787-9 jets. Photo: Boeing
However, the main difference is that, because of the width restriction of the 787-9, there is no longer the option for a central quad suite. Executive Traveller also reported that the height of the partitions and privacy doors had been reduced.
According to FlightGlobal, the Boeing 787-9 has an internal cabin width of 5.49 meters. This compares with a fuselage width of 5.96 meters on the Airbus A350 and 5.86 meters on the Boeing 777, according to the respective manufacturers.
QSuite 2.0 offers a 20% reduction in weight over the first generation.
Are you excited to fly on Qatar Airways’ brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment.
