Qatar Airways has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner at a special ceremony held at the US aircraft manufacturer’s Seattle headquarters. 

A Boeing hangar was the fitting venue for the official handing over of the aircraft to Qatar Airways,  a ceremony watched by scores of airline management, Boeing executives and both local and international media. Guest of honour was Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al-Rumaihi. 

Last night’s event was followed by a celebratory dinner where employees from both Boeing and Qatar Airways were honoured for their dedication and commitment, working together on the 787 project. The airline’s first Dreamliner is scheduled to take off from Seattle for Doha later today, arriving into Qatar tomorrow (Wednesday 14 November). 

The delivery marks a milestone in Middle East aviation with Qatar Airways becoming the first airline from the region to take delivery of the 787. The Doha-based carrier has 60 Dreamliners on order with deliveries planned over the next few weeks, months and years. 

Space, comfort and luxury are key features of the aircraft with Qatar Airways having pushed the boundaries in air travel to create a unique onboard 787 travel experience. The seat design is revolutionary and proprietary to Qatar Airways, which worked closely with the manufacturer to have custom-made seats fitted on the aircraft. 

The aircraft is also the world’s first 787 to be fully connected with wireless facilities enabling all passengers in both business and economy cabins to remain connected with the ground through Wi-Fi and GSM telephony options. The fully interactive inflight entertainment system offers more than 1,000 video and audio options to every passenger. 

Addressing guests at the Seattle ceremony, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the newest aircraft type to join the airline’s fleet since 2007 represented a momentous occasion as the company entered a new chapter in its remarkable history. 

“Five years ago, Boeing delivered its first ever aircraft to us, a triple seven. In 2007, we celebrated another milestone as Qatar Airways entered the American market with the launch of scheduled flights to New York and Washington DC,” he said. 

“Today, we are witness to stronger ties with the United States and Boeing as we become the first Middle East customer to take delivery of the 787 Dreamliner. 

“Boeing has crafted a state-of-the-art aeroplane, designed to be yet another asset to excel our signature Five Star service in the sky to all our passengers across the Middle East and around the world.” 

He added: “Qatar Airways set about a dream to fly our nation’s flag to all corners of the world when we launched operations 15 years ago. We have been the World’s Best Airline for two consecutive years and today we are spreading our wings further with the delivery of one of the most advanced aircraft in the world. 

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Qatar Airways is one of the most remarkable airline success stories of our time and it is only fitting that it has taken delivery of the most technologically advanced jetliner of our time. 

“The 787, with its unmatched fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, is certain to enable Qatar Airways’ plans to continue to deliver on its promise of quality and profitability. Today’s delivery marks the beginning of a new chapter in Boeing’s partnership with Qatar Airways, which is based on a mutual commitment to excellence.” 

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes. 

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