Qatar Airways has today launched its first all-business class service, between Doha and Heathrow.
The daily flight will be operated by a 40-seat narrow-bodied A319, with a 2-2 configuration. It will be the first time that an all business class service has linked Heathrow with one of the major Gulf destinations.
The airline is using an A319 for new flights QR15, which departs Doha at 14.50 to reach Heathrow T4 at 20.25, and QR16, which leaves Heathrow at 21.55 for arrival at Doha at 06.40 the next morning.
The new schedules have been timed for business travellers wishing to maximise their working time either in London or Doha.
The addition of the all-business service, called Business One, means Qatar Airways operates six daily flights to Heathrow.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: "The launch of our first all-premium product Business One reaffirms Qatar Airways' determination to provide the best five-star service and comfort in the air for our business class passengers.
"The Doha to Heathrow route is one of Qatar Airways' most popular business class destinations and we continue to see increasing demand from passengers in Doha and those connecting onto Heathrow from our network of worldwide destinations.
"Combined with the new Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Heathrow's Terminal 4, and our Premium Terminal in Doha, our passengers can experience the very best Business Class service in the industry."
Former business class-only carrier Silverjet briefly ran a service from Luton to Dubai before the company went out of business in May 2008.