Qatar announces dates for Dreamliner’s return to UK
Qatar Airways will resume Boeing 787 flights from London on May 15, four months after all 787s were grounded worldwide due to safety concerns.
The Doha-based carrier, which was the first to launch 787 flights from the UK, has already resumed 787 flights on services from Doha to Dubai.
The airline has five 787s, also known as Dreamliners, but all were grounded earlier this year following a directive from both the Federal Aviation Administration in the US and Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority after faults had been spotted on 787s operated by other airlines.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker was the first passenger to board the airline’s reinstated Dreamliner 787, joined by president Boeing Middle East Jeffrey Johnson, Boeing’s deputy fleet chief David Silver and a delegation of regional and international media.
Al Baker said he was delighted to be back on board the Dreamliner.
"I always said I would be the first to fly on Qatar Airways’ 787 once it returned to service, and I’m thrilled that our Dreamliner fleet is back in the skies, providing our passengers with an unparalleled level of service and comfort," he said.
"After a setback that not only affected our own worldwide operations, but those of many carriers worldwide, we look forward to now deploying the Dreamliner on other key routes over the coming weeks.
"I have always hailed the Dreamliner as the state-of-the-art aircraft destined to change the way people travel and I was delighted to be on board our first 787 to take to the air again.
"Throughout the grounding of our fleet we have worked closely with Boeing to monitor the situation and work towards getting our fleet up and running again.
"Safety has always been the number one priority for Qatar Airways and I have full confidence in the safety and security of this aircraft."
Johnson said: "Today’s flight is a tribute to the spirit of partnership, which led to the solution that made it possible.
"It is also testament to Qatar Airways’ continued support for the 787 Dreamliner programme and to the strength of its relationship with Boeing."
Thomson has confirmed that its delayed 787 flights will launch in July 8 from Manchester to Florida and Glasgow to Cancun.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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