Qatar Airways flies Boeing 787 to Paris Air Show

Qatar Airways will take part in the 50th International Paris Air Show this week with its newest Boeing 787 Dreamliner taking centre stage during one of the world's largest aerospace events.

The Doha-based airline took delivery of its sixth Dreamliner this morning following its direct flight from Seattle to the show venue Le Bourget.
Qatar Airways traditionally has a strong presence at the Paris Air Show, held every two years, by having a static aircraft on display. This year the airline’s Boeing 787 will make its debut for the first time in France, at Le Bourget.

Tens of thousands of trade visitors from around the world are expected to attend the Air Show, which runs from June 17-23. A limited number of tours of the 787 are planned for select VIPs, industry guests and the media during the trade days.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “We are absolutely delighted to have our brand new 787 fly into Le Bourget direct from Boeing’s assembly plant in Seattle for what promises to be yet another exciting Paris Air Show.

“The 787 has created new benchmarks in comfort and space, with revolutionary seat design as well as key state-of-the-art features, and we look forward to showcasing this aircraft to visitors from around the world.

“Our 787s provide passengers with a travel experience quite unlike any other with custom-built comfort features that are the hallmark of our Five Star service across both the Business and Economy cabins.”

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Qatar Airways has become synonymous with flaunting its airplanes at air shows, and it is no different this year with the airline debuting its newest 787-8 Dreamliner at Le Bourget for this week's air show.

“Many will get to see just why Qatar Airways is a five-star rated airline and will no doubt give European delegates an opportunity to understand why the airline, alone with the likes of Emirates and Etihad are all doing so well and expanding so rapidly.”

Ahmad added: “It comes as Qatar Airways expresses an interest to execute its 30 options it has on the 787 family - it has long since eyed the stretched 787-9, which is due to fly for the first time later this summer, but could also be in the market for the double-stretched 787-10 to replace some of its ageing Airbus A330-300s.”