Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines Unveil Business Class Upgrades at Farnborough Airshow

FARNBOROUGH, England — At the Farnborough Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines announced significant enhancements to their business class offerings, responding to a projected increase in corporate travel demand for 2024. The airshow serves as a platform for airlines to showcase innovations, and both carriers are keen to attract business travelers as the industry rebounds from the pandemic. Qatar Airways introduced its upgraded business class seats, featuring innovative folding screens that allow groups to share a monitor and create a communal dining experience. The airline's QSuite, designed for group bookings, will now include additional configurations such as two-person "companion seats" with foldable screens, enhancing the in-flight experience. These new seats are set to debut next year on Qatar's Boeing B777-9 jets, with the airline also announcing an order for 20 more of these aircraft, bringing its total to nearly 100. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines revealed its own business class enhancements, incorporating adjustable doors with privacy panels, a trend that has become increasingly common in premium cabins. These upgrades reflect a broader industry shift towards providing more luxurious and private travel experiences for passengers, particularly as corporate travel begins to recover from the downturn caused by the pandemic. As airlines adapt to changing travel patterns, these announcements signal a competitive push to attract business travelers, with both Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines positioning themselves as leaders in premium air travel.