Qatar Airways is preparing to start the first all business class service between London and the Middle East.
A specially configured Airbus A319 aircraft with just 40 business class seats will operate from Doha to Heathrow from next week (May 15).
The daily service from its hub in Doha to Heathrow is claimed to be the first of its kind in the Middle East.
The airline has also confirmed plans to take delivery of the first of 23 Airbus A380-800 superjumbos early next month (June).
The aircraft will be configured in a three class lay out including a new first class which allows for access to a 26-inch screen with various entertainment options.
Qatar Airways is starting domestic operations within Saudi Arabia, and is on track to launch new airline, Al Maha, in November with plans to have 10 A320s in service within the first 12 months of operations.
Chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is making news yet again with the newly opened Hamad international airport and the anticipated arrival of the airline’s first A380 early next month.
“This is indeed an exciting year and a new chapter for Qatar Airways as we will move our entire hub operations to Hamad international airport on May 27.
“We also eagerly await the delivery of the world’s largest passenger jet and have no doubts that our new A380s will play a key role in our strategic expansion plans, and will help expand the onboard capacity – in the full comfort and luxury that our passengers expect.”