QR's A380 First Class

Qatar Airways has reversed course and will include first-class cabins on its coming fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos to try to woo wealthy leisure and business travellers.

Airline officials are tight-lipped about what offerings will be in store for the airline's version of the double-decker aircraft, but passengers choosing to fly first class will be chauffeured to the plane in BMW 7 Series cars.

Qatar Airways will compete directly with the A380s operated by Emirates Airline, with their enclosed suites and showers, and Singapore Airlines, where first-class travellers are treated to a full-sized bed, desk, seats and personal storage.

The plans come as the Doha-based airline carries out a wide-ranging programme elsewhere in its fleet to rely only on business and economy cabins as the global economy recovers from the recent downturn.

The A380 "will be the only model in our fleet which will have a first-class cabin", Akbar al Baker, the chief executive of Qatar Airways, said last week.

Mr al Baker added the premium cabin would have eight seats in first class from a total of 517.

A typical layout on the A380 accommodates 525 passengers, with 10 first, 76 business, and 439 economy-class seats, Airbus said.

But the European aircraft maker has long marketed the superjumbo as having enormous potential for customising to an airline's specifications. The superjumbo's size led to Airbus at one stage touting the scope for features such as relaxation areas, bars, duty-free shops and beauty salons.

Configurations for the world's largest commercial airliner vary widely, from Korean Air's 407-passenger fit-out to the all-economy set-up for 840 passengers planned by Air Austral, a carrier based in the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean.


In terms of luxury appeal, Air France installed an electronic art gallery exclusively for first class and business class on its A380s, while Virgin Atlantic has said it plans to put casinos, double beds and gymnasiums on its superjumbos.

Qatar has ordered five of the jets, which cost about US$300 million (Dh1.1 billion) each before standard industry discounts, and plans to order several more, possibly this year, Mr al Baker has said.

It has one of the fastest-growing fleets in the world with 93 jets, up from 80 one year ago.

First-class cabins are not being installed on its new Boeing 777s and are being removed from its fleet of Airbus A330s. In 2009, the airline ripped out the first-class lounges on its Airbus A340-600 jets to make more room for economy seats, with plans to eventually retire the planes.

The appeal of flying the A380 has led passengers to pay a premium for the flights, with Emirates charging nearly Dh40,000 for first-class travel between Dubai and New York.

The first commercial flight of the A380, by Singapore Airlines in October 2007, included a charity auction for seats. Passengers reportedly spent between $560 and $100,000 for the short flight between Singapore and Sydney.

Source: thenational.ae

a sign or coincidence?

Qatar Airways will be having it's open day in MNL at the Diamond Hotel on August 21 just a week after my end-of-contract date with my present company. That made me think about signs. It worked for a friend so why shouldn't it be the same for me. Yesterday I had my facial cleaning check up done and went to the nearest computer shop right after, to check my mails. I always check IPAM's website for updates regarding OD's and AD's of QR and EK. I was happy to know that QR, as I've said, will be having it's OD here in MNL again. Being ecstatic and all, I went to the department store to look for a pinstripe business suit. It just happened that the particular suit I was looking for just came in that day. It was literally fresh from the box. I tried it on and well, it felt good so I decided to buy it. Whether I get QR or not, it's going to be just fine. After all, I just saw a sign today (for EK). Now, I've been cutting off from eating rice and tomorrow I will be starting to do a daily 2-hr cardio as a preparation for the OD on the 21st. I told my friend that no matter what happen, I'm still going. It's a do or die situation.

PAL is also hiring URGENTLY but that's a different story. :)

On A Bad Luck Streak + EK and QR New Routes

Can't think of a much better introduction than I'm winning on a bad luck lottery! I blogged about my broken pc before, but that's just the start. Two days ago I had my rubber shoes stolen in my garage. My dad had left the gate open when he went to the store to buy something. It's not him to blame, I guess it's just about timing and the robber's timing was just right. I've been taking care of that shoes for one year now. No scratch and white as if it were brand new, and the reason why I'm keeping it that way is because it's the only pair I have (so not a grab-all-the-shoes-you-want person). Oh, and that's not the only thing stolen from me. Included is a Dunhill Cigarette case with one Marlboro Lights stick in it and a lighter. Give me a break already! Last night my PDA fell as I was looking for a place with a good reception while standing on my bed. It ricocheted when it hit the floor and the result was devastating. As I turned on the power, All I can see is a vertical red line on the center of the screen and then it turned pitch black. Can you imagine the horror I'm facing last dreaded night? I guess not. Well, unless you're facing the same dilemma. I just hope that there will be a light at the end of this very very long and dark tunnel. I'm now looking for a service center that can fix my phone. It's an Imate 8502 PDA phone, so if some of you know where I can get help, please do message me or comment below this blog.

EK Update:

Emirates has announced that they will be lauching a service to Baghdad, Iraq starting on July 1. Oh boy, I'm so excited to be waken up by your daily wake-up call explosions. I sure don't mind DEADheading on that destination :)

QR Update:

Qatar Airways will be upgrading its equipment and flights to Copehnhagen (CPH) from A319 to A330 and from four times to daily service respectively. It will also begin flying to Barcelona, Spain (BCN), Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) and Sao Paolo, Brazil (GRU) this June. QR is also studying the feasibility of adding Oslo, Norway (OSL), Sydney, Australia (SYD), and Sofia, Belgrade (SOF) to its growing list of destinations.

Looks like Qatar Airways is not far behind Emirates...

It's just a matter of time before EK announce a new route again. DUB perhaps?? Btw, CPH is also on the plan. Review my previous post.

That got me thinking... Emirates or Qatar??

Well, wait for my next post. It's Pros and Cons time :)

AWOL

As you have noticed, I've been AWOL for quite some time now. It's just my stupid desktop gave up on me. And I have no internet connection at home coz' I'm thinking of switching to Globe's kickass 1mbps connection. Anyway, I would just like to update you guys what was happening in my life this past few months.

I just graduated last Mar. 26. Hurray finally! Now I can really concentrate on job hunting and on dieting. After extending a few years on a 5 year course, my hardwork finally paid off. Hardwork? yeah right! On the 29th I decided to go back to school to accomplish my clearance, as early as possible, to avoid long lines of students queueing for precious signatures of the concerned departments. One faculty definitely gave a new meaning to "precious" when we went to get our certificates for our EPP (English Proficiency Program, required for all students). He was really being bossy to the students and keep speaking English. I mean c'mon! I don't speak good English but I can tell who's being trying hard. I swear I was controlling myself to put my fist in his effin' face! He was the Director of the Language Department but hell, he doesn't deserve the respect we could have given to him. I know he is in somewhat "high" position but that doesn't mean he can boss people around. He has to learn how to respect other people regardless of their stature. I am so relieved that I finally got this out of my system. The lesson here is, You mess with my friends, You mess with me! BTW, I was just accompanying my friends that time. and one last thing. His signature wasn't even required for the clearance! Feeling much? so much for that.

I was supposed to go to NAIA last April 5 for my application as a PSA (Passenger Service Agent) or more commonly known as Ground Staff/Attendant. Unfortunately, I was having some issues with my face. You've guessed it! Pimple! :D So I decided to postpone it for a while until I finish my facial cleaning session on friday. I should probably go on Monday before boredom takes the best of me. If I get the job (I certainly hope so), this will be my stepping stone in becoming a cabin crew. I'm giving myself 6 months to be in shape and ready for the next assessment schedules. Some people just have to start somewhere before going to much larger venture. What's keeping me hype is the fact that QR and 5J are hiring males again. Woohoo! I'm actually considering applying for Duty Free positions in DXB. Desperation is to blame! I will do anything just to get to Dubai.

Emirates Update time!!

Emirates had just started flying to NRT on March 28! and I'm so looking forward for their first flight in AMS on May 1.
A380 will be replacing daily service of T7 in MAN starting on September
blah blah blah blah.. There are so many unfinished posts saved on my inbox here at BS but I was caught in a whirlwind where I seem to procrastinate stuff.

QR flight expansion for summer 2010

Qatar Airways has officially revealed major expansion plans for its long haul and medium haul route network which will come into effect from the on set of the IATA Summer 2010 season i.e. March 28th. The main highlights are as follows: ISB - capacity increased from 5 weekly A 330s to 4 weekly B 77Ws + weekly A 333. The flights operated by the B 77W will be a same plane service to IAD via DOH. ATQ - frequencies increased from 4 weekly to daily flights using an A 320. HKG - capacity increased from daily A 332 to daily B 77W from May 1st. KHI - capacity increased from daily A 320 to 6 weekly A 321 + weekly A 333. CMB - frequencies increased from double to triple daily nonstop flights using an A 320 KTM - frequencies increased from double to triple daily nonstop flights using an A 320. LHE - capacity increased to 3 weekly A 333s + weekly A 321. MAA - capacity increased from daily A 321 to 3 weekly A 333s + weekly A 332 + 3 weekly A 321. BLR - new daily flights using an A 320 to be announced shortly. FCO - frequencies increased from 4 weekly to daily flights using an A 332. CAI - capacity increased from daily A 333 to 5 weekly B 77Ws + 2 weekly A 333s. CEB - capacity increased from 3 weekly A 333s to 3 weekly B 77Ws. DEL - capacity increased from daily B 77L to 6 weekly A 332s + weekly A 333. BOM - capacity reduced from daily B 77W to weekly A 346 + weekly A 332 + 5 weekly A 333s. JNB - capacity increased from daily A 332 to daily B 77W. LOS - capacity increased from daily A 332s to daily A 346s. MNL - capacity increased to daily A 333 + daily B 77W. AMM - frequencies increased from daily to 12 weekly flights using an A 320. KWI - frequencies increased from 4 to 5 times daily. SAH - frequencies increased from 4 weekly to 11 weekly flights using an A 320. CPT - capacity increased from 4 weekly A 332 to 4 weekly B 77Ws. info from : http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/profile.main?username=Behramjee