A further shift in the ultra-long-haul market across the Atlantic is on the way with Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways introducing their new Airbus A350-1000s on services to Washington DC and New York respectively.
Cathay is launching a four-a-week service between Hong Kong and the US capital from 15 September. At 13,122km (8,153mi), it will be the longest route in Cathay’s network, with a rostered flight time of 17hr. It is the first service to connect the two cities directly (BTN 26 February).
The non-stop route to Dulles International Airport will complement Cathay’s existing routes to the East Coast, including Boston and New York. The aircraft feature a three-class cabin comprising Business, Premium Economy and Economy classes.
Qatar Airways, the global launch customer for the A350-1000, will introduce it on flights between Doha and New York JFK from 28 October. The aircraft already operates the Doha – London route.
Qatar Airways’ A350-1000 is configured with 46 Q Suite Business Class seats and 281 Economy Class seats with an 18in width. The airline currently operates two daily non-stops between Doha and New York JFK, using the A350-900 and Boeing B777-300ER.
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