Dear Travelers,
Welcome to this Flight Report aboard the Flagship of Qatar Airways: The Airbus A-380 New First Class.
After waiting three months since my ticket was issued finally the day arrived, check-in was efficient and in no time I was invited to the shiny new Al Safwa First Lounge located inside the Hamad International Airport. First impression was of space, light and a warm welcome by the concierge assured me that this was going to be another amazing experience flying Qatar Airways.
I was invited for a drink at the restaurant section, the waiter introduced himself and offered all kind of snacks and meals offered in a Menu tailored exclusively for the First Class cabin. As I was aware of the ”feast” to be served aboard I went for something very light: fresh pineapple cut and a glass of my favorite champagne: Krug.
The Concierge came some minutes later to pick me up to take me to the Departure Gate and after a short walk I was already in ”Heaven”…the mighty Airbus A-380 First Class cabin of Qatar Airways… Impressions? Just Wow! Elegant, sober, tasteful…CLASS! Divine crafted Italian leather…it was just top top top!
My seat was 1A as usual… and the flight purser came to offer another glass of Krug, which of course I could not deny!
Sharply at departure time doors were closed and we taxied to the active runway for a straight departure towards Bangkok, flight time of only 06:10 hours…too short for flying in this beauty!
Dinner service of course was on demand, first round was a Pumpkin Soup, Full Caviar Service with a glass of Grey Goose Vodka, followed by a Salad, choice of Main Course, Cheese Table and Dessert. Some impressions of the fantastic meal served:
Followed by:
After the Meal Service it was time to relax and enjoy the beautiful IFE System provided by Qatar Airways ( with a 32 inches wide screen) what a pleasure to fly…of course many more glasses of Krug kept coming!
Sadly our Flight was coming to and end…the Sun started to rise and I was offered the choice of breakfast which I refused after the Dinner Service which finished three hours ago!
A quick visit to the Lavatory before descent… No words…Elegance and unrestricted Space…
Descent started and we landed sharp at 07:00am at Bangkok International Airport, the purser and the crew appreciated my business and wished me a wonderful stay in Thailand.
The most friendly and polite Cabin Crew ever!
CONCLUSION:
I have flown with Qatar Airways many times, maybe ten… I am well aware that some frequent travelers or the competition claim that their service is robotic and that they cannot be considered genuine in service. I must say that all my experiences have been more than positive. Qatar Airways has a top notch product in Business Class (above most of the Legacy carriers nowadays) and the First Class cabin and service was at the same level as Lufthansa, Swiss, Air France or Emirates. The catering can be a bit improved in quality, the Caviar was outstanding and the Wine List and Champagne was above competition. Wine Bottles at the First Class cabin retail at approximately USD 80/100 each, Krug is more than fine for First Class if we compare to other carriers such as American Airlines International First or United Global First.
The new Al Safwa First Lounge offers dedicated service and if you have a connection you can be granted one of their mini suites that include a bed, shower and TV with channels on demand for your layover at the Doha Airport without any need to go to an Hotel. As a Commercial Pilot and a Premium Passenger I am well traveled, mostly in Business Class and some First Class experiences, but to be honest Qatar Airways is at the very top of my list…and you figure out how many miles and routes I have done in my life…this for sure means something.
Truly a 5 Star Airline.
Thank you for reading!
The Executive Pilot.
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