Flight check: Qatar Airways

Published: 01/07/2005 - Filed under: Archive » 2005 » July/August 2005 » Tried and Tested » Tried & Tested » Airlines » Tried & Tested » Airlines » Qatar Airways »

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First impressions I arrived at 1030 for my 1225 flight from Doha to London Heathrow (a seven-and-a-half hour journey). I passed through an initial security gate into the check-in area to find three free business class desks. After clearing passport control I went through further security, then headed for the business lounge on the first floor. The tempting cold buffet of salads, sandwiches, Arabic sweets and mezze, watermelon, dates and delicious-looking pastries and desserts was a definite improvement on the nuts and biscuits offered in the United lounge (which Qatar shares) at Heathrow Terminal 3 on my outbound journey. It also had a business centre with three computers and complimentary internet access, as well as free wifi access. The airline runs 25 flights per week between Doha and the UK, twice daily from Heathrow, daily from Gatwick and four times weekly from Manchester.

Boarding The flight was announced and I went downstairs to gate 3 to board the bus (business class passengers board a separate bus; first class passengers have a limousine transfer to the plane). I was in my seat at 1215, and a choice of orange juice, champagne or water was offered along with a selection of regional newspapers. No one took my coat so I stowed it away myself, but I was very impressed when the senior flight attendant visited each business class passenger in turn to introduce himself.

The seat The A330-300 on this route has the latest business class seat, which is being fitted on all A330-200 and 300 aircraft on the route. The configuration is 2-2-2 with 24 seats in business. Only four seats were filled in my row. The seats have a pitch of 139.7cm and recline to 160 degrees (first class has a fully lie-flat seat) with five pre-set functions and 10 individual buttons to fine-tune the settings, plus four more to operate the back massage functions. It was certainly long enough at 2m when outstretched, but I felt as though I was sliding downwards, and that my back was too arched. A member of the cabin crew saw me struggling and suggested I press the lie-flat button again, which raises the seat slightly, and it did help.

The entertainment system, Waves – a new feature throughout the aircraft – allows full individual control with start, stop and pause functions. The system offers 23 TV channels, 12 games, 16 audio channels and 26 movies in various categories, plus more than 60 albums from which to create a personal play list. There were a couple of glitches: at one point I was unable to access my play list, and when I did, it refused to play my songs and instead started deleting my selections.

The flight After a slightly delayed take-off at 1252, the crew delivered the drink I had requested earlier along with a tasty bowl of warm, roasted pistachios, almonds and cashews, and also handed out blankets and amenity kits. Our meal orders were taken about 40 minutes into the flight and the food arrived five minutes later. The menu was a mixture of Arabic and Western and my starter of smoked salmon, grilled chicken with cherry tomato and marinated dill prawns, was very enjoyable. There were three mains on offer but, after several days of eating rich hotel food, I went for the "light option" of pasta shells stuffed with ricotta and spinach in tomato sauce. Dessert (a "crystal" cake with strawberry coulis) and cheese courses were followed by tea and coffee and a small box of Godiva chocolates.

While the food was enjoyable enough, it was the service that was memorable. Courses were whisked away and my glasses of water and wine topped up frequently. Even once the cabin lights were dimmed shortly after the meal was cleared away, the crew were attentive, regularly replenishing my glass of water (although it would be easier for them just to hand out bottles of water) and checking that the cabin temperature was comfortable for passengers.

More drinks were served halfway through the flight and, later, a plate of open sandwiches plus three decent, if slightly over-refrigerated pastries.

Arrival We arrived five minutes ahead of the scheduled time of 1955 and were off the plane quickly. Customs was clear and, after about 10 minutes my priority-tagged bag was among the first five to appear.

Verdict Qatar Airways stands out for its impeccable and highly personalised service. The entertainment system is excellent and the seat hi-tech, easily holding its own among lie-flat-style seating of other airlines.

Price Economy class return fares London to Doha start at £417 and £1,796 in business.

Sarah Maxwell