Qatar Airways has reversed course and will include first class cabins on its upcoming fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos in a bid to woo wealthy leisure and business travellers.
Airline officials are keeping mum about what signature offerings will be on store for the airline's version of the double-decker aircraft, which will go head to head against A380s operated by Emirates, with its showers available for first class ticket holders, and Singapore Airlines, with its suites featuring a full-sized bed, desk, seats and personal storage.
The plans come as the Doha-based full-service airline carries out a wide-ranging programme elsewhere in its fleet to rely only on business and economy cabins at a time when the global economy is still recovering from the recent downturn.
The A380 "will be the only model in our fleet which will have a first class cabin," Akbar al Baker, the chief executive of Qatar Airways, said last week, adding that the premium cabin will have eight seats in first, with 517 overall in all cabins.
A typical layout on the A380 accommodates 525 passengers, with 10 first, 76 business, and 439 economy class seats, according to Airbus.
igale@thenational.ae
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
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Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
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Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
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Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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Torque 145Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.0L / 100km (estimate)
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