Qatar Airways will launch the first daily Boeing 787 service from Heathrow in a fortnight.
The booming Middle East carrier confirmed December 13 as the launch date. Qatar will operate the Dreamliner on its 15:05 departure from Heathrow, one of its five daily services to Doha. The return flight from Qatar departs Doha at 06:25.
Qatar Airways took delivery of its first 787 last month. It already has a second and will receive another three by the end of the year.
Chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “We are delighted the UK market will see its first 787 on a regular full commercial service.
“Inaugurating our 787 on the London Heathrow route puts Qatar Airways firmly on the global aviation map.”
The aircraft marks a step-change in design, with a frame largely made from carbon composite materials.Qatar Airways has said it will add further 787 services from Heathrow as it receives more 787s, of which it has 60 on order.
It has configured the aircraft with 22 seats in business and 232 in economy, and will offer full Wi-Fi and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.