Qatar Airways is known for its Qsuites business class. This is one of the world’s best business class experiences, between an excellent soft and hard product. Six years after the product was introduced, it’s available on most long haul aircraft, but not all.
What many people don’t realize is that the airline is reportedly working on two additional new business class products. Qatar Airways is heavily focused on business class, as the airline doesn’t see a future for first class (aside from on regional flights).
In this post I wanted to cover what we know about Qatar Airways’ upcoming premium products, as Forbes had an interesting story about this.
In this post:
Qatar Airways plans new narrow body business class
Qatar Airways has a total of 50 Airbus A321neos on order. Initially these planes were supposed to be delivered in 2023, but due to the dispute between Airbus and Qatar Airways, that timeline has been pushed back significantly.
Qatar Airways is planning on introducing a new business class product intended specifically for these planes, since obviously narrow body and wide body planes are generally different given the layout.
Qatar Airways claims that this new product will be introduced in 2024, though I’m a bit confused about that timeline. It’s my understanding that A321neos are now only being delivered starting in 2026. Qatar Airways has also picked up some 737 MAX 8s, but those feature inherited interiors, given that they were intended for S7 Airlines.
So I’m not sure what exactly this new business class will entail, though I imagine it will be as good as narrow body products get. Realistically speaking, I think a reverse herringbone seat with a door might just be as good as we can reasonably expect, similar to what FlyDubai has planned for its upcoming Boeing 737 MAXs.
Qatar Airways also plans new long haul business class
Not only does Qatar Airways plan a new business class for narrow body jets, but the airline also plans a new business class for wide body jets, currently being referred to as Qsuites 2.0. This product is currently being developed, though no details have been made public.
Qatar Airways claims that the new product will be “a revolution of how people travel in business class,” and will completely eliminate the need for first class.
The catch is that Qatar Airways won’t say when this product will be installed, and which planes will have it. I think it’s a given that this product will be featured on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-9s, though it’s anyone’s guess when that plane will enter service (it definitely won’t be before 2025). The airline could also introduce this on its remaining Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to be delivered, but there’s no indication of that happening.
Do I believe that Qatar Airways plans on introducing a new Qsuites product eventually? Yes. Do I think the airline is very far along in this process, or can honestly say that the product the airline will introduce will be revolutionary? Well, that I’m more skeptical of.
To be honest, I think we’re reaching the point where new business class products will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Business class has come a long way over the years, from recliners, to angled seats, to flat beds, to direct aisle access, to doors.
This evolution has largely happened with limited opportunity cost in terms of space, since seating manufacturers have just become more efficient. This is also why nowadays so many business class seats have footwells.
Unless Qatar Airways is willing to dedicate a larger footprint to each seat, I don’t see how much more the product could improve. I mean, I do think ANA’s “The Room” business class sets the standard for business class seats, so if Qatar Airways can beat that, I’d be mighty impressed.
But I remain skeptical about this, as we’ve heard about the concept of this for years, yet there have been virtually no details.
Bottom line
Qatar Airways is planning on introducing two new business class products, both of which may be branded as Qsuites. This includes a new business class product for narrow body jets (likely the A321neo, and eventually the 737 MAX 10), as well as a new business class product for wide body jets (likely the 777-9, but perhaps also the A350-1000).
Qatar Airways puts so much effort into its premium experience, and I’m curious to see what the airline comes up with next. Call me a skeptic, but I feel like business class products can only evolve so much more…
What are you expecting from Qatar Airways’ new business class products?
How narrow can you really go when your providing a business class? I don't think us as passengers will feel much of a difference. But good luck to Qatar Airways with the new additions. One of my favorite airlines to travel when heading to Qatar on business trips. Their lounge is fabulous when waiting for a flight by the way! Delicious food and drinks plus outstanding service all our the company.
The 350 900 does not accommodate QSuites, it's too narrow. I wonder what changes will happen with them.
A7-ALY, A7-ALZ, A7-AME, A7-AMF, A7-AMG, A7-AMH, A7-AMI, A7-AMJ, A7-AMK and A7-AML are all A350-900 and have QSuites.
A product we will never get to try on Australia. All our government is interested in is protecting Qantas profits and their stupid voice.
Hoping the improvements include floor storage space and a proper range of seat positions that include a leg rest. I wouldn't book a Qatar flight on Q Suites without those improvements. The service and food are great but the seat and lack of space make other airlines better choices for me.
lmaooo at this point Qsuites might be a thing of the past before Emilates and 5stardyhansa can even finalize their "new" business class seat
I prefer that they don't codeshare with less premium airlines for onward connections at full QR J class price
They could start with actually putting QSuites into their planes that don't have it. There are already enough don't know what product your gonna get until departure configurations
Silly overrated airline only good for bloggers and vloggers
Lol. How is it over-rated? It's by far the best business class in the sky.
It’s not the best in the sky. It could be, though, but it isnt.
Of my last 6 "qsuite" flights, 4 had "last minute" swaps to the oldest possible configuration...which isn't far off from Air India's business class. If you get a qsuite, there's nothing much to complain about, but, particularly in my experience, isnt very likely to happen, especially flying to the East Coast.
Meanwhile, the FAs are hit or miss. Some are...
It’s not the best in the sky. It could be, though, but it isnt.
Of my last 6 "qsuite" flights, 4 had "last minute" swaps to the oldest possible configuration...which isn't far off from Air India's business class. If you get a qsuite, there's nothing much to complain about, but, particularly in my experience, isnt very likely to happen, especially flying to the East Coast.
Meanwhile, the FAs are hit or miss. Some are incredible, but some are duds. The food is okay but nothing spectacular.
The lounges are pretty good IN DOHA, but at too many outstations Qatar insists on using subpar lounges when better options are available. Witness Jakarta, where QR still uses the sad, small, 1980s-era Garuda lounge, where nearly every single other airline (except Garuda) has switched over to the phenomenal and brand new Priority Pass Lounge. Qatar cuts way too many corners.
LOL , it’s not the best at all - also a statement like “ It's by far the best of business class in the sky.” shows bad incompetence. May be stick with other forums , or at least try The Room .
Regards !
It was reported here in Australia that Al Bakar stated that Qsuite v2.0 will be a 'huge enhancement' to the current Qsuite. If it is indeed a huge enhancement it would have to be taking up more real estate, no? Taller doors/walls, bluetooth connectivity and wireless chaging + a bigger TV would be welcome improvements but I cannot envision that as a 'huge enhancement'. Unfortunately I think Al Bakar is being very enthusiastic but I...
It was reported here in Australia that Al Bakar stated that Qsuite v2.0 will be a 'huge enhancement' to the current Qsuite. If it is indeed a huge enhancement it would have to be taking up more real estate, no? Taller doors/walls, bluetooth connectivity and wireless chaging + a bigger TV would be welcome improvements but I cannot envision that as a 'huge enhancement'. Unfortunately I think Al Bakar is being very enthusiastic but I cannot envision an even larger footprint per suite unless they view the ability to charge a serious premium. With EK having a good but not amazing business class and Etihad only just rolling out business suites I do think Qatar could seize on this moment and reveal a shocking improvement but I doubt they will. The 1-1-1-1 suggestion above is interesting. Single aisle a350 cabin with extra long suites. Possible? Yes, but would require a serious bump in ticket prices.
"Do I think the airline is very far along in this process..."
To be fair, 2025 isn't far off. I don't know what their delivery slots are, but given the lead time for stuff like this, including certification and then manufacturing them, I imagine they have some broad details at least already figured out.
Please, more padding on the seats. I finally got to try the Q Suites on the A350 this month DOH-JFK. The seat was OK, service was acceptable but didn't live up to the hype. I actually prefer United's Polaris seat over the Q Suites. Way more comfortable for sleeping.
Bluetooth/wireless headphone capability, inductive chargers, USB C, heated & cooled seats, and larger 4k screens. Other than that, there’s not much they can do without taking up more room on the plane.
Not much else can be done. But I do think in Q-Suites sometimes I wish I had a little more room for my knees when lying down vs hitting the tray. But overall it's a great product and I'm not sure what else they could really do.
There's not much else you can do with a suite aside from finish and trim, entertainment and tech options, bed positions and comfort, improved storage, etc. The next evolution would probably be ceiling height doors/curtains or a 1-1-1-1 configuration.
This entire piece said absolutely nothing and reads like it was written by ChatGPT.
Why be such a bore? Is it happy to live like that?
The point of the article is that Qatar Airways hasn't said much of substance yet. If you must blame someone for a nothingburger (why? who forced you to read it?), blame it on them.