Qatar Airways pushes Qsuite Next Gen to mid-2027 on the A350-1000

Qatar Airways now plans to introduce its Qsuite Next Gen business class from mid-2027 on the Airbus A350-1000, rather than on the Boeing 777X as originally intended, and is expected to take delivery of its first A321LR with flat-bed business class before the end of 2026. Both updates were reported by One Mile at a Time and One Mile at a Time on 24 October 2026, citing comments from Qatar Airways CEO Hamad Ali Al-Khater to Executive Traveller.

Qsuite Next Gen moves to the A350-1000

Qsuite Next Gen was unveiled in July 2024, with deliveries of the 777-9 expected to begin in late 2025. According to One Mile at a Time, the 777X is still not certified, and Qatar Airways now expects its first 777X in late 2027 at the earliest, with further delay possible.

Instead, the remaining A350 deliveries, roughly a dozen aircraft, will reportedly be fitted with the new cabin from mid-2027. One Mile at a Time notes this is the first time a plane other than the 777-9 has been named for the product, and says there appear to be no plans to retrofit existing A350-1000s.

The new cabin keeps the current staggered layout, alternating forward- and rear-facing seats. Listed changes include a movable 4K OLED Panasonic Astrova screen, a larger lie-flat seat and a double bed, taller digitally controlled dividers, enclosed storage drawers and wireless charging. The screen can be repositioned to create shared space for up to four passengers in the Quad Suite or two in the Companion Suite.

A321LR brings 1-1 flat beds to shorter routes

Qatar Airways has 50 Airbus A321-family aircraft on order: 10 A321LRs and 40 A321neos, according to One Mile at a Time. The first A321LR is expected in the coming weeks, with the other nine to follow fairly quickly. The type has a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles, which the outlet says covers many destinations in Europe, Africa and Asia from Doha.

Al-Khater reportedly said the business class will use the STELIA Aerospace OPERA platform, with 16 seats in a 1-1 reverse herringbone layout. Unlike the versions used by ITA Airways and Etihad Airways on their narrow-bodies, Qatar Airways plans to fit doors at each seat. Air France was launch customer for the wide-body version on its A350s.

Context

The A321 order dates to 2011 and was upsized in 2017. One Mile at a Time says a dispute between the airline's former chief executive and Airbus led to the loss of delivery slots, explaining why the aircraft arrive so late. The carrier briefly flew six leased all-economy A321neos as a stopgap; these now fly for Sun PhuQuoc Airways.

What this means for travellers

• Qsuite Next Gen will not appear on any Qatar Airways aircraft before mid-2027, and then only on new A350-1000 deliveries.
• Product will vary by aircraft, since existing A350-1000s are not currently planned for retrofit. Check the aircraft and cabin before booking.
• Flat-bed business class on short and medium routes should arrive with the A321LR from around the end of 2026, though the sources do not name routes or start dates.
• Those comparing Gulf carriers can see Qatar Airways vs Emirates and Qatar Airways vs Etihad Airways.

Which routes the A321LR will fly first has not been stated.

Sources: One Mile at a Time (Qsuite Next Gen); One Mile at a Time (A321LR).