Long-haul travel can be a grind, but Qatar Airways wants to make it smoother, faster and more comfortable for Australians. From Starlink speeds “faster than home” wi-fi to award-winning Qsuite comfort, almost unlimited entertainment options and transits through an enhanced Hamad International Airport, we chat with Qatar Airways’ Regional Manager Australia and New Zealand Justin Kestel about why QR’s long-haul proposition could be a game-changer for Aussie travellers.
What a year it’s shaping up to be for Qatar Airways. To kickstart 2025, the Australian Government greenlit the Gulf carrier’s highly anticipated tie-up with Virgin Australia; the Doha-based airline will also return to Australia’s capital later this year – and this comes following several upgrades at its home base, Hamad International Airport and after picking up multiple awards in 2024. But with competition fierce in the Australian long-haul market, Qatar Airways knows it can’t rest on its laurels.
What specific enhancements or features is Qatar Airways working on to better cater to the preferences of long-haul travellers, like Australians?
I was lucky enough to travel on a Starlink aircraft from Melbourne in December. This is a game-changer. You just have to connect your device and you’re away. It’s faster than my home internet!
The first aircraft with Starlink wi-fi was delivered in October 2024 on selected Boeing 777 aircraft to provide state-of-the-art connectivity – and Starlink wi-fi will be available in all Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 by the summer of 2025, meaning all B777 aircraft servicing Australia – including the aircraft we are leasing to Virgin Australia – will have this fitted.
For those seeking a luxurious travel experience, the Qsuite Next Gen aims to elevate comfort with larger sliding doors for enhanced privacy, more spacious suites, wider seats, improved seat comfort and generous storage areas.
Featuring state-of-the-art technology such as larger touchscreen monitors and world-class in-flight dining options, every aspect of the Qsuite Next Gen is designed with passenger comfort and convenience in mind. So that’s definitely something Australians can look forward to when it rolls out hopefully very soon.
How does the carrier differentiate its product offerings, such as seating, dining and entertainment as competition grows in the Australian market?
It certainly helps that Qatar Airways is the only airline in the world to have won the Skytrax Airline of the Year eight times and the Skytrax Best Business Class 11 times, as it is testimony that we’re doing something right when it comes to providing the best flying experience.
Qatar Airways differentiates itself by offering luxurious QSuite seating, award-winning dining and the Oryx One entertainment system, which features up to 8,500 entertainment options including movies, TV episodes, music, audiobooks, podcasts, games and more.
Additionally, innovations like Starlink wi-fi ensure passengers stay connected with high-speed internet throughout their journey.
Last year, during the celebration of Australia’s 15th anniversary, Qatar Airways also paid tribute to Australia by launching a special anniversary Business Class menu that featured native and exotic ingredients like Queensland finger lime, South Australian bush tomato and NSW lemon myrtle to elevate the in-flight dining experience.
These premium offerings, combined with exceptional customer service and a vast global network, position Qatar Airways as the preferred choice for travellers seeking comfort, convenience and a high-quality experience.
With demand for seamless travel on the rise, what steps is Qatar Airways taking to enhance the transit experience at Hamad Airport for long-haul flyers, like Australians?
Transiting at Hamad International Airport (HIA) is actually a highlight in itself as it was voted Skytrax Best Airport in the Middle East. Offerings such as the Al Mourjan Business Lounge, featuring private sleeping pods, shower rooms, relaxation zones and a gourmet food selection ensure a premium experience.
In addition, it recently unveiled a new extension that includes a tropical garden at the centre of the airport, alongside myriad retail, hotel and lounge offerings such as the exclusive Louis Vuitton Lounge in collaboration with Michelin Chef Yannick Alleno. Thus, Australians can look at their transit at HIA as a special attraction itself that adds to a more enriching travel experience.
Qatar Airways also provides shorter, more efficient layovers in Doha, reducing total travel time for Australian passengers.
With multiple direct connections to Doha and daily flights from Australian cities [Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth], Qatar Airways offers more flexibility in choosing connections and minimising layover times.
Most recently, the announcement of our partnership with Virgin Australia means additional flight options and better connectivity for Australians to our extensive global network via our hub at Hamad International Airport.
As Qatar Airways gears up to launch its new partnership with Virgin Australia in June 2025, Karryon tested the airline’s award-winning Qsuite product and service from Brisbane.
For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com/en-au.
