Qatar Airways presented a specially designed Boeing 777-300ER at the recent Paris Air Show, showcasing its significance as the aircraft that transported the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) soccer team to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup. The plane, adorned with a striking blue livery featuring the logos of both the Champions League and PSG, drew considerable attention at the event, allowing visitors to experience one of the world’s leading airlines.
This particular aircraft had recently flown PSG to Los Angeles, where the team is set to compete in the final against Chelsea. The Champions League winners made headlines by defeating Real Madrid 4-0 to secure their place in the tournament. Qatar Airways, a sponsor of PSG, is owned by the Qatari sovereign wealth fund, which has heavily invested in the club, including acquiring high-profile players like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.
At the Paris Air Show, the Boeing 777-300ER was accessible to the public, allowing aviation enthusiasts to explore its features. While many planes at the show required appointments for tours, Qatar Airways’ offering welcomed anyone interested to step aboard, with a few select guests permitted to visit the cockpit.
This model of the Boeing 777 is significant in aviation history, being the world’s largest twin-engine jet, measuring over 240 feet in length and boasting a wingspan of 212 feet 7 inches. The aircraft is designed to accommodate 354 passengers and has an impressive maximum range of nearly 8,500 miles, enabling direct flights from New York to destinations such as Thailand.
Inside, the aircraft features the acclaimed QSuite business class, which Qatar Airways has proudly touted as the best in the world for five consecutive years, according to Skytrax. The business class area contains 42 QSuites, designed with a unique quad layout that caters to families and groups. Privacy dividers can be fully lowered, creating a spacious environment that rivals the luxury of first-class offerings on other airlines.
The QSuites are particularly praised for their innovative design, allowing seats to convert into double beds, a feature typically reserved for the most expensive classes of service. Even solo travelers benefit from the spacious suites, which measure 6 feet 7 inches when fully reclined, ensuring a comfortable experience.
The economy cabin, accommodating 312 seats, also offers a commendable experience, with a pitch of 31-32 inches and select rows providing additional legroom. This design choice reflects Qatar Airways’ commitment to passenger comfort, setting it apart from competitors, especially in the absence of a premium economy class.
At the end of the tour, guests were invited to visit the flight deck, where the pilots shared insights about the aircraft’s operations. Notably, the cockpit features advanced technology, including WiFi connectivity provided by Starlink, which Qatar Airways has begun to roll out on its fleet. This service promises speeds that can exceed 215 Mbps, offering passengers internet access comparable to home broadband.
Overall, the Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER serves as a testament to the airline’s dedication to quality and innovation in air travel, especially highlighted by its association with one of the world’s most successful soccer teams. As the PSG prepares for their upcoming final, the airline continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence in aviation.
