Qatar Airways is set to take delivery of an additional five of Airbus’s new A350-1000 aircraft after converting part of its existing order for five of the aircraft’s smaller predecessor the A350-900, opening the door for more routes to see the new aircraft as well as the airline’s new Qsuite business class seats.

The Doha-based carrier was the launch customer for the A350-1000, the first of which was delivered back in February this year. The aircraft currently serves Qatar Airways’ routes to London and Frankfurt, with New York due to be the third destination to get the aircraft on October 28 this year followed by Singapore and Tokyo from November 2018 and January 2019, respectively.

“Qatar Airways is delighted to have upgraded five of its previously ordered A350-900 to the more recently launched A350-1000,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ group chief executive.

“Since taking delivery of the world’s first A350-1000 in February 2018, we have been extremely pleased with the aircraft’s performance, which has prompted us to update our original order. The A350-1000 has been a welcome addition to our fleet and very well received by our passengers who enjoy the unprecedented levels of comfort and technology that this new generation aircraft offers.”

Along with offering 28 per cent more capacity in the premium class cabins than its predecessor model, the longer A350-1000 also features Qatar Airways’ newest seat product, the fully enclosed business class Qsuite. The airline’s A350-900s are expected to get the new seats as well, though various delays in the rollout have meant that many still aren’t equipped with the Qsuite.

Business Traveller recently reviewed the Qsuite on the A350-1000 from Doha to London Heathrow.

Flight review: Qatar Airways A350-1000 Q Suite business class

Qatar Airways currently flies 27 A350-900s and three A350-1000s, with a further 46 A350s still on order.