Latest news with #Qsuite
The Advertiser
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Inside Virgin's big international comeback and the seat everyone wants
By Kate Cox Updated July 21 2025 - 4:53pm, first published 4:48pm Qsuite seats can be configured to make a double bed. Picture supplied From: Sydney to Doha Frequency: Once daily Duration: 15 hours Class: Business (Qsuite) Price: From $8000 return Explore more: There's a fair bit of fanfare in the air. Enthusiastic CEO Dave Emerson and his executive team are onboard to mark Virgin Australia's inaugural Sydney to Doha service, the airline's long-awaited return (since 2020) to long-haul international flying, thanks to a partnership with Qatar Airways. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area Virgin is wet-leasing Qatar's Boeing 777s - meaning the aircraft, crew and service are Qatar's. And while there are fewer Virgin notes than I expected - apparently, there may be more to come - this is a win for Velocity members. Qatar Airways is regularly crowned airline of the year, and is the current champion. As the lucky passenger in 1A, here's how it stacks up. CHECKING IN: Virgin Australia doesn't offer online check-in for international flights, but who really cares when you need to arrive three hours before departure anyway? Business class passengers get a generous 40kg checked baggage allowance and up to 15kg of carry-on across two bags. I glide through the Virgin Priority queue, fast-track security and passport control, and land in the Air New Zealand lounge - Virgin's partner in Sydney. Bright, airy and well-run, with plenty of space, friendly staff and a constant flow of hors d'oeuvres, it's a civilised start. The writer and minty welcome drink in her Qsuite. THE FLIGHT: Interestingly, my seat - 1A - faces backwards, which takes some getting used to during takeoff and landing. This quirky layout in a 1-2-1 configuration allows for meetings with up to four passengers in facing suites, or double beds for couples. After sliding the door shut and settling into my private cubicle, I dial into a work call, then videocall my dad back in country NSW. (As a former air traffic controller, I think he will get a kick out of the seven-mile-high call - he thinks it's "ridiculous" and because I'm trying to talk quietly, reckons he can't hear a word I'm saying.) At midnight, I ask for my flat bed to be turned down. The turbulence is consistent for the next few hours but I'm too excited to sleep anyway; besides, we arrive at 10pm so I'm saving my shut-eye for the hotel. THE CLASS: Qsuite is Qatar Airways' flagship business class product (there is no first class on this flight) and delivers a first-class experience: fully enclosed private suites, adjustable mood lighting, a la carte dining, Diptyque toiletries in a chic pouch and heaps of storage, including an esky-like box by my seat. It feels less seat, more chic little bedroom. The 15-hour flight is over too soon. Only on VA1: Ross Lusted's osso buco. Picture supplied FOOD AND DRINKS: On boarding, I'm welcomed with dates and cardamom-spiced Arabic coffee and a lime and mint drink - both of which I could happily make a habit of. One of the standout features is on-demand dining: order whatever you want, whenever you want, and eat, sleep and chill on your own schedule. Dishes designed by Australian chef Ross Lusted exclusively for this route (seared cured fish, osso buco and Basque cheesecake) sit alongside more Qatari fare including a mezze with pita bread and fresh berries with rosewater syrup. Breakfast is a smoked salmon hollandaise muffin and some very fresh granola - all the nuts on this flight are so good. For snacking, there are a couple of standouts: steak sandwich with caramelised onion and Swiss cheese and scones with butter and jam (and how on earth do they get those warm scones so perfect on a plane?) Every meal is served with white linen, quality cutlery and - a beautiful touch - a tiny flickering (battery-powered) candle. I barely touch the wine list (which includes a standout Chateau Margaux 2015) because I'm hooked on the many mocktails. ENTERTAINMENT: So many shows (I manage to binge an entire Reacher series), delivered on a huge HD screen with an easy-to-navigate interface and handheld remote. The impeccable Wi-Fi via Starlink is so good that there are announcements reminding passengers to keep the noise down and use headphones. THE SERVICE: More efficient Qatar professionalism than warm Virgin friendliness, but cocooned in your suite, it almost feels like you have the entire cabin to yourself. IN A NUTSHELL: Luxe Qsuite privacy, excellent food and phenomenal Wi-Fi - plus the Velocity points - makes this one flight I'll be embracing in the future. Have you flown VA1 yet? What did you think? Which airline would you like us to review next? Let us know at editor@ Virgin Australia's inaugural Sydney to Doha flight, VA1, is waved off by Virgin cabin crew. Picture supplied Words by Kate Cox Kate is head of travel for ACM. She loves discovering new places and has visited all seven continents, including a year-long lap of Australia with her young all-time favourite destination is ... Sri Lanka. It was two decades ago, but I still haven't forgotten the smells, sights, sounds and tastes, plus the wonderful people, of that diverse country. Closer to home, the coastal town of Yamba never fails to on my bucket list is …The Galapagos or Greenland - both evocative countries that will expand the mind! My top travel tip is … Get lost! Take the unexpected path - you never know what you'll find.
Time Out
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
I just flew in "the world's best business class" from Australia to Europe – here's what it's like
Some days in this job, you just have to pinch yourself. At least that's what I was thinking as I sipped Champagne at Sydney Airport's international terminal on a Thursday morning, waiting to board Flight VA1 to Doha. I was travelling to the Qatari capital in celebration of Virgin Australia 's return to long-haul international flying in partnership with Qatar Airways. This sky-high alliance is set to change the way Aussies travel overseas, offering access to more than 170 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. But the coolest part about this launch was the opportunity to experience the Qsuite – aka the world's best business class seat, according to the 2025 Skytrax Awards (which are known as the 'Oscars of the aviation industry'). Qatar Airways was also crowned the world's best airline for a record-breaking ninth year in a row, so I knew I was in for something pretty memorable. So it was with a scoop of free strawberry gelato in hand – a tasty perk of the special pre-flight festivities – that I boarded the Boeing 777, ready for 14 hours of flying. If you're keen to do the same, here's everything you need to know about travelling business class with Virgin Australia in partnership with Qatar Airways. What does the new partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways mean? Along with access to Qatar Airways' vast travel network, the new Australia to Doha routes offer an elevated flying experience, outstanding amenities and loyalty benefits. Oh, and way more choice and better value for passengers. Flights are currently departing from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, with a Melbourne service to begin in December (all up that will equate to 2.65 million seats a year). Yep, suddenly that Euro summer trip you've been lusting over just got a whole lot easier to organise. And if you have enough Virgin Velocity Points, you can even use them to apply for an upgrade to the Qsuite. But from a practical pre-flight perspective, think of the exclusive airline collab this way: you check-in at the Virgin Australia counter and track your flight details via the Virgin Australia code on the display screens, but you'll board a Qatar Airways plane with Qatar Airways staff. My experience with this process was seamless – I breezed through check-in (priority queuing is a luxury I know I'll miss on my next economy flight), and made it straight through security in under 15 minutes. The speediness meant I was able to spend some time relaxing in the Air New Zealand lounge, which all Qsuite passengers have complimentary access to. Just don't go crazy at the buffet, because you're going to want to eat everything on the plane. What is the Qsuite like? The best way I can describe it is like your very own private apartment in the sky. The biggest drawcard of the Qsuite is its signature sliding door that comes up to almost shoulder height, complete with a Do Not Disturb button. Once that door to your little pod is closed, you can barely see people walking up and down the aisle – I couldn't resist poking my head out a few times, just to make sure the cabin crew were still around. A travel companion of mine even felt comfortable enough to get changed into her Qatar-branded pyjamas in the suite, such was the level of privacy. What this cocoon of cosiness creates, though, is the ideal space to kick back, relax and (gasp!) get a good night's sleep in. Qatar Airways' turndown service will transform your seat into a full lie-flat bed with a mattress topper, two pillows and a plush doona that rivalled my own at home. And as someone who is six-feet tall, I can confirm that I was able to lie down without my feet hitting the end of the bed – that's an in-flight luxury I can truly appreciate. Other Qsuite highlights include the lush Diptyque amenity kit (loaded with a lip balm, face cream and mini perfume), generous storage space and super-fast free Starlink Wi-Fi. Although if the only chance you get to disconnect from your devices is during a long-haul flight, this might not be the perk for you. Interestingly, the Qsuite configuration means that some of the seats are rear-facing – I got to experience this on my flight home, and there is definitely something kinda discombobulating about it during take-off and landing, but otherwise I didn't notice a difference. And if you're travelling with a partner or in a group of four, the movable panels in the centre aisle seats can transform into a double bed (cute!) or a quad layout (perfect for families). What are the food and drinks like in Qsuite? If you've ever wondered what fine dining looks like at 38,000 feet in the air, this is it. I'm welcomed to my Qsuite with another glass of bubbles (hello, Palmer and Co Rosé) and immediately check the menu to decide what to order. Qatar Airways has actually just launched an exclusive new first and business class menu curated by award-winning Aussie chef Ross Lusted, owner of Woodcut in Sydney and Marmelo in Melbourne. It's a showcase of seasonal, locally sourced produce that covers appetisers, mains and desserts, with the offerings refreshed every three months. And the beauty of the Qsuite is you can dine on-demand – perfect if you're trying to adjust to the timings in your next destination or simply want to work around your movie schedule. I'm hungry, so the table is set for my first course, complete with a white tablecloth, real cutlery, cute mini salt and pepper shakers and (my favourite bit) the LED candle, which flickers like a real flame. I start with the first of Lusted's signature dishes: the seared cured fish plate, with soy and sesame oil dressing, cucumber and pickled young ginger. It's light, zingy and refreshing. The lamb osso bucco with heirloom carrots follows, and I'm surprised at the richness of flavour as I mop up every last bit with a bread roll. But it's the Basque cheesecake that, well, takes the cake for me. Served warm with softened dry fruits, cinnamon, vanilla and walnuts (a nod to traditional Qatari cuisine), it's melt-in-your-mouth good. And don't miss the little chocolate service that comes around after your meal, because second desserts are definitely a thing in the Qsuite. Is the Qsuite worth it? Oh, you bet it is. And look – we totally acknowledge the extra costs that come with flying business, especially in the cozzie livs crisis. But if you're one of those savvy people who has hacked the frequent flyer system and you've got points to spare, or you simply want to go full treat yo 'self mode (we're here for it), the Qsuite is the only way to do it. This is long-haul flying at its most bougie – and you only live once, right?! To find out more and to book your own Qsuite experience with Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, head to the website. ✅
WIRED
28-06-2025
- Business
- WIRED
Fancy Airplane Seats Have Nowhere Left to Go—So What Now?
Upper and business class cabins have expanded to the point where the top tier resemble hotel suites more than passenger pods. But what happens now airlines have no more room to offer? All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Not so long ago, direct aisle access along with the ability to lie horizontally were the hallmarks of comfort on airplanes if on entering you happened to be turning right and not left. Fast-forward a decade and the prevailing new high-water mark is now the private suite with sliding doors, expansive entertainment screens and even double beds. Qatar Airways' Qsuite allows four passengers to dine together face-to-face, while Virgin Atlantic's Retreat Suite offers an oversized version of business class that aims to blur the line between where the suits sit and first. At the very front of the plane, showers and private bedrooms have raised the bar even further. However, as airlines continue to compete on seclusion, space, and spec, the business appears to have flown itself into a dilemma: If square footage is the ultimate flying luxury, now we live in a world where your sky space can be more akin to a bijou hotel room, what happens when there's no more room left to give? 'Business class used to be all about hardware—the seat, the screen, the privacy door,' Nigel Goode, chairman of design studio PriestmanGoode, says, agreeing that the sky-high space race is coming to a close. 'But now it's about human-centred design. The Qsuite that we originally developed for Qatar Airways broke the mold because it gives passengers so much more scope. They can sit as a four, they can be in a family, there's a double bed option. You can adapt your own privacy level.' Airline cabins are becoming hybrid communal spaces where passengers can decide to be alone or interact with others—but now there's no more room to expand. Courtesy of Qatar Airways This shift is apparently redefining cabin formats around intent rather than hierarchy, and unlocking new revenue models for airlines. Key trends? Technology that supposedly can reflect passenger mood, hybrid layouts that balance solitude with sociability, and sustainability as status with lightweight materials that tell a carbon story. Nippon Airways, for example, has just announced "THE Room FX" cubicle coming in 2026 for business travelers that despite the extra kit involved in being a private cabin seat, the whole pod has a comparable weight to the current Boeing 787-9 business class seat. But as the physical airplane seat is approaching its design limits, it looks like the airline business is being forced to bank on the next wave of upselling innovation being emotional, and so far more nebulous. NewTerritory, a brand experience studio currently working with LATAM Airlines, over 12 months conducted more than 400 hours of behavioural research with five global airlines surveying 258 passengers. Its findings? Seventy-five percent of business class passengers polled said empathy—in how airlines address fatigue, jet lag and stress—is the strongest driver of loyalty. 'Passengers want to feel like valued guests, not just ticket holders,' says founder Luke Miles. 'Just as we expect comfort and care in a high-end hotel, travellers now expect the same in the sky.' 'The future of business class isn't about seats or service in isolation,' Miles says. 'It's a composite, symphonic experience where every element—from preflight to landing—works in harmony to create something emotionally resonant and brand authentic.' So in other words, as innovation in hardware levels out, brands are being forced to lean into hoping differentiation will come from journeys that feel personal, restorative, and intentional. This, however, is hardly groundbreaking thinking. The luxury world is awash with such watchwords. And, according to Mariel Brown, director of foresight at design agency SeymourPowell, this next leap in air travel will be all about another overused luxury watchword: customization. 'Luxury in 2035 won't be about square footage. The new differentiator will be control—the ability for passengers to tailor their environment effortlessly. From climate and lighting to when and how they eat or connect, seamless personalization will matter more than physical boundaries.' Well, as long as those physical boundaries still include a double bed and sliding doors. Expect to see embedded, adaptive tech—smart armrests, modular wellness trays, mood-sensitive lighting—replacing one-size-fits-all features. 'The magic is in the margins,' Brown says. 'A light that softens as you close your eyes. A seat that remembers how you slept last time. These don't have to be expensive innovations, just well-considered ones.' Inexpensive innovations or not, if self-softening lights do start appearing on planes, they'll almost certainly be for the expensive seats, initially at least. Qatar Airways' Qsuite broke new ground by allowing four passengers to dine together face-to-face. Courtesy of Qatar Airways Wellness is apparently becoming foundational to the premium cabin experience. Brown sees a future in biometric responsiveness—seats that passively monitor hydration and posture or adjust lighting to your circadian rhythm (Collins Aerospace has introduced its Hypergamut lighting system that purports to do just this.) 'Designing with neurodivergent travellers and limited mobility in mind should be standard, not a bonus,' Brown says. 'When that happens, everyone benefits.' Goode cites the Finnair AirLounge—a business-class seat that his team developed with, again, Collins Aerospace—as a more lifestyle-led response. "It's a nonmechanical seat, more like a sofa. Lighter, more flexible and built for movement. It reflects a domestic mindset, not just an aviation one.' Of course, the problem for airlines is that innovation in this tightly regulated, risk-averse space isn't easy. 'Airlines often have to offer the same thing—but just a bit better,' Goode says. But that hasn't stopped experimentation. PriestmanGoode's latest concept, Maya—developed with Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics Corporation—features curved wraparound screens, 3D-knitted materials, and seats embedded with sound-absorption and haptic vibration. 'Passengers won't just be watching entertainment,' Goode says. 'They'll be interacting with their own micro-environment.' So it seems set that because there's no more cabin floor space to conquer, the next game-changing business class features will not be bigger berths or screens. Not onboard bars. Not mood lighting. The airline industry is banking on a technological leap that will yield cabins that learn, adapt, and respond. Where personalization is functional, not performative. Where the best tech is hidden, not on display. And where luxury is measured not just in inches, but in the degree of emotional impact the airline can impart as you favorite those movie choices and peruse the wine list. But until we get to a reality where your lie-flat pod knows who you are as you approach the single-digit seats, here is a rundown of what the major airlines have planned for pimping their plane service in 2025. United Airlines Debuting in May 2025, United's eight 'VIP' Polaris Studio suites with 25 percent more space than a standard Polaris seat are located at the front of each business class cabin. With 27-inch 4K OLED screens (up from 19 inches), privacy doors, companion ottomans, and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, the new studios have been designed to try and cater for both work and downtime. There's also a new caviar service and a retro-style sundae cart with Tillamook flavours elevate the onboard experience. United Airlines' new 'VIP' suites—caviar service and a retro-style sundae cart not pictured. Courtesy of United Airlines Air France From July this year, Air France will be rolling out new Sofitel MY BED mattress pads from the French hotel brand. The newest iteration of the airline's business class seats are upholstered in natural wool and full-grain French leather (for a more organic sensory feel, apparently.) On the culinary front, triple Michelin-starred chef Régis Marcon and pastry chef Nina Métayer have drawn up a menu of dishes inspired by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (think Royale of salmon and prawns in a "tangy sauce" with snow peas and yellow carrots.) Air France has turned to Sofitel hotels to get their seat mattresses worthy of return flights. Courtesy of Virginie Valdois/Air France Qatar Airways Launching on Boeing 777-9 aircraft this year, the Qsuite Next Gen features nearly 4.75-foot suite walls and sliding doors—among the tallest in the sky. Passengers can opt to sit in a quad layout around a shared table or convert two central seats into a double bed. Qsuite passengers also get manoeuvrable 4K OLED HDR 10+ Panasonic Astrova screens (a world-first, apparently) and PIN-lockable storage for valuables, these suites marry innovation with intimacy. Qatar's Qsuite Next Gen pods feature world-first 4K OLED HDR 10+ Panasonic Astrova screens. Courtesy of AMER SWEIDAN/Qatar Airways Riyadh Air Set to take off by the end of 2025, this new Saudi airline benefits heavily from generous investment from the country's sovereign wealth fund. With no expense spared, the cabin itself has been designed by British firm PriestmanGoode. Business class seats are Safran's Unity model, and have integrated Devialet speakers in the headrest so travellers don't need to wear headphones. At the front of the cabin, four Business Elite suites come with 32-inch 4K OLED screens (10 inches bigger than in the rest of business class), and can also be made up as double beds for couples. Riyadh Air's business class seats boast integrated Devialet speakers in the headrest so travellers don't need to wear headphones. Courtesy of Riyadh Air
Qatar Tribune
21-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
British & Irish Lions soar to Australia on special QA flight ahead of 2025 tour
Tribune News Network Dublin The British & Irish Lions squad departed Dublin on Saturday on a special flight aboard Qatar Airways Boeing 777 en route to Australia via Doha, marking the beginning of the much-anticipated Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia 2025. Members of the squad and management team, led by Head Coach Andy Farrell, boarded the aircraft from Dublin Airport's North Runway, following their warm-up fixture against Argentina at Aviva Stadium. Among the travelling party were familiar faces including Captain - Maro Itoje, and breakout talent - Henry Pollock, alongside other members of the England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales national teams. The special flight, operated by Qatar Airways - the Official Title Partner and Official Airline Partner of the Tour – featured the airline's award-winning Qsuite and Starlink-powered high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring a connected and comfortable journey for the Lions squad as they head Down Under. As the nine-time Skytrax World's Best Airline, Qatar Airways is proud to connect the Lions to Australia through its Doha hub, offering a premium inflight experience to match the occasion. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: 'Flying the Lions squad to Australia is more than a journey – it's a statement of our continued commitment to the world of sport and rugby. We're proud to play a central role in delivering this iconic tour, ensuring the team travels in comfort, style, and connected at every mile.' Dublin Airport Managing Director, Gary McLean, said: 'This is a really exciting day for Dublin Airport as we facilitate the departure of the British and Irish Lions. The airport's own team, including our Platinum VIP service, has pulled out all the stops to ensure the Lions' tour started smoothly and we wish Andy Farrell and his squad the very best as they embark on what we all hope will be a very successful tour of Australia. It's fantastic to see such a strong Irish representation in the squad and management team and we are looking forward to welcoming many Australia-bound Lions fans departing from Dublin Airport over the coming weeks to support their heroes down under.'
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I flew on the world's best airline – it felt like a hotel in the sky and even economy seats are roomy
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE best airlines in the world have been revealed for 2025 - and Qatar Airways has come out on top again. It is the ninth time it has been named the best in more than 25 years of the annual Skytrax Awards. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Qatar Airways has again been named the world's best airline Credit: Alamy 4 We tried out both the economy and business (with no premium economy onboard) Credit: Rex Not only that, but it was also named the Best Airlines in the Middle East - and having the best business class in the world. Qatar Airways' CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: "To retain this title in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global industry reflects the relentless efforts across every part of the business, from the frontline to behind the scenes, the passion and commitment of our people continue to set new standards in aviation.' And we have been lucky enough to fly with them when travelling to Sri Lanka, stopping in Doha along the way - testing out both their business and economy classes. I tried out their the airline's Qsuite, the leader when it came to business class seats, being one of the first to have a sliding door (introduced in 2016). Read more on airlines GROUNDED Budget airlines scraps all flights to the US just three years after launching I've always been a budget traveller, never understanding why someone would fork out money to get from A to B. But, three years after flying with Qatar Airways, it is still something I talk about to friends. It feels like a hotel room in the sky (so much so that it became a highlight of my trip - perhaps even more than some parts of the holiday itself). While you would expect all business class seats to be amazing, I can say that they are not all made the same (with two airlines I won't name barely being better than premium economy...) Staff are extremely friendly, their non-alcoholic lemon and mint mocktail has a huge following online for being so delicious and I had enough movie choices to keep me busy the entire flight. While business class is never affordable, the route from London Heathrow to Doha is an option for a special occasion spend. Airline launches world-first onboard suites that are five windows long 4 Qatar Airways' business class is something I still think about years later 4 The Qsuite door gave me so much privacy Credit: Kara Godfrey Tickets can be found for around £1,800, which will be in the special Qsuite. It is certainly a great way to end a bucket list holiday. Perhaps controversially, the airline doesn't have a premium economy, only offering First, Business and Economy. But it's not just their business class that was amazing - the Sun's Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski also tried out the airline's economy cabin. She said: "Economy seats in Qatar Airways' newer aircrafts feel much roomier than those on other airlines I've travelled with. "The design is sleek and stylish and there are conveniently-placed USB ports for charging your devices, but that's not what makes the carrier standout. "For me, the highlight of flying Qatar Airways is the service. "As with most Middle Eastern airlines, customer care is a step above the rest. "Staff are diligent and eager to please, ensuring that you're well looked after and refreshed throughout the journey. "All in all it makes for a more comfortable experience." Flights in economy are much cheaper, thankfully, with routes from London to Doha from £474 return. Here are some of our other airline reviews, including the airline with the best food.
