Did the World’s Best Business-Class Seat Just Get an Upgrade?

In 2017, Qatar Airways changed the world of business-class travel with the introduction of the Qsuite. You are settling into your seat on a long-haul flight and have the luxury of closing your own door—it was a disruptor and set a new benchmark. Now, having a door in business class is the gold standard for long-haul travel. Suddenly, what once felt like an indulgence became the expected norm. The QSuite, combined with the onboard service, is often hailed as one of the best business-class experiences you can find.

Now, the airline is taking things to the next level with the launch of its 2.0 version. On the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, took the stage to unveil the sleek and ultra-modern ‘Qsuite Next Gen’ and he did so with the world’s first AI digital human cabin crew, Sama. 

Since its launch, the Qsuite has seen plenty of updates—little tweaks here and there to stay ahead of the curve. But this time, they have gone beyond mere adjustments. First off, the new seats are both longer and wider, allowing the two middle seats to be combined into an even more spacious double bed. The suite walls have been raised higher, offering that extra bit of privacy. There’s wireless charging, plus USB-C, USB-A and 110v multi-country sockets to keep all your gadgets powered up. The TV screens are now moveable 4K OLED Panasonic Astrova 22” screens, a first for any airline. And for your in-flight entertainment, you can now pair your own Bluetooth headphones for a personalised experience and will also have a range of lighting options tailored for any activity. The Airways is also planning to bring Starink Wi-Fi onboard, which is currently one of the fastest connections you’ll find at 35,000 feet. 

The new Qsuite design introduces a major shift in how the suites can be combined. Previously, you could merge the centre seats into a duo or a quad, with two pairs facing each other. Window seats, however, could not be combined. With the Next Gen seats, that changes. Now, you can have a “Companion Suite” with two window seats facing each other. The 1-2-1 layout, with seats alternating between forward and backward facing, will still be used, allowing these combinations while maximising the number of seats on board.

Along with the innovative window dual suites, the new setup for combining quad, duo and companion suites offers a fresh take. Instead of dealing with a divider that you have to lower, the TV screens now serve as part of the barriers and can be folded away. This means that when you’re facing someone, the TV screen can be moved so both of you can enjoy it. The view to other seats in a quad or the new Companion suites is also clear, as the screens can be tucked away completely out of sight.

It will be some time before these new suites are in service. Qatar Airways intends to introduce them on its upcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft, which is expected to arrive by 2025.