Qatar Airways Plans To Cut World’s Fanciest Cabin Seats As ‘Economics Don’t Make Sense’

The economics of operating a first-class cabin on the next-generation long-haul aircraft no longer makes sense to Qatar Airways, according to Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who Bloomberg quoted during an interview in Istanbul on Saturday. 

First-Class

Al Baker said there would be no first-class section in its future Boeing Co. 777X fleet. He said the future is business class:

“Why should you invest in a subclass of an aeroplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you… I don’t see the necessity.”

Qatar’s fleet of 777X with only business (branded as “Q-suite” product) and economy class is set to replace the airline’s Airbus SE A380s as it eventually retires all ten. 

Q-suite

The move to phase out first class on long hauls comes counter to Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Qantas Airways Ltd, and Air France, who are beefing up high-end offerings. 

What’s behind the downshift? Al Baker said the first-class section “doesn’t justify the returns.”