September 24th, 2016
Qatar Airways 655 Colombo (CMB) - Doha (DOH) Departure: 1033 Arrival: 1256 Duration: 4:12 Aircraft: Airbus A340-642
Registration: A7-AGD Seat: 4B (Business Class)
There are not many airlines nowadays who operates Airbus A340s because of efficiency issues but Qatar Airways still flies A340 to some destinations like Colombo and Kuala Lumpur. It was back in 2004 Paris Air Show when Qatar Airways had interest on long range A340-600s and ordered 4 of them which are still flying now. But being less economical compared Boeing B777s in long-haul flights, currently they are operating mostly as short to medium-haul flights.
The A340-600 was previously delivered as 3-class cabin: First, Business and Economy class. But as the demand decreases on first class, they removed it and renovated to 2-class cabin: Business and Economy class. In this 2-cabin layout, there are 24 business class seats and 348 economy class seats which now capacitates 374 passengers - 66 more economy class seats.
Prior to departure from Colombo, I have tried the economy class of A340 inbound flight. (You can find more about it here). The economy class is configured in 2-4-2 and some 2-3-2 at the aft section while business class is configured in 2-2-2. Compared to angle lie flat business class in the past, the new 180 degrees fully flat bed business class seats have 78 inches of pitch and 21 inches of width.
The Cabin:
The cabin atmosphere was open but packed on this flight. There are only 4 rows in business class with B/E Super Aerospace Diamond Seats. These seats are looks identical to what is found on KLM Royal Dutch New World Business Class with the exception that the IFE monitor screens are much clearer on Qatar Airways. (Glass screens). One thing I first realized on board was the direction of the overhead baggage compartment. Seats A,B,J and K have the latch opening upwards while on seats E and F, the latch goes downwards.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Cabin.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Cabin: Looks like reverse herringbone seats from behind.
The Seats:
Although it was not direct aisle access for window seats, they were excellently designed. From the pillow to blanket, and from the take-off position to fully flat positions, the seats were really comfortable. I hope that more storage spaces be added on these types of seats are in the future. Though there was a small storage underneath the seat selection buttons which only fits small electronic devices i.e. mobile phones and small digital cameras.
Other than that, the privacy between two seats were pretty okay since there was a huge divider that separates two passengers sitting beside. Only thing the you could be uncomfortable is when accessing the aisle if you are on the window seats.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seats.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seats: Hugh seats wit but small personal storage space.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seat: Personal reading light.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seat: Personal reading light and water bottle/magazine rack.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seat: Seat recliner mode selection. Different from the A350, the selection does not include arm rest adjustment (Raise/Lower) mode.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seats: Fully recline flat bed mode on 4A, Standard take-off position seat on 4B.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seats: The privacy shield was big enough to divide the space between each other, reducing the awkward moment.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seats: Fully flat bed mode with soft pillow and anti-static electricity blanket.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seats: Footrest and a small stowage below.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seats: The armrest can be adjusted by the pushing the metal button sticking forward.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Seats: Jacket hook.
In-flight Meals:
Unlike other business class meals, Qatar Airways has superb in-flight meals even on medium-haul flights. On a short 4 hours flight you can have 4 course dining with different selection of beverages above 30000 feet. And it is an á la carte! The meals combined with different pairing of beverages ensure the best of in-flight meals. Quality of the meal is top notch, enough to compete with other business and first class dining.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Menu.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Menu: 4 course meals.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Wines and Beverages list.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Welcome drink and snacks.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Meals: Roasted bell pepper and tomato soup as starter.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Meals: Dill marinated prawns as appetizer.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Meals: Chicken breast with mushroom cheese as main.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Meals: Fresh fruits as dessert.
In-flight Entertainments:
Qatar Airways uses Oryx Multiplex as their IFE system(Oryx One) which contain thousands of various entertainments to enjoy. With the touch screen remote controller, comes with 15 inch glossy looking monitor screen. One of the drawbacks of the screen is the strong reflection when sunlight is shining around it. You could see yourself reflecting just like a mirror so when there is a sunlight, shutting the window shade is recommended.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class IFE touch screen remote controller docked.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class IFE touch screen remote controller.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class IFE noise cancelling headphone.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class IFE touch screen 15 inch monitor.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class IFE touch screen monitor.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class IFE touch screen monitor.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class IFE: USB port and headphone jack.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class 100VAC Power Sockets with guide lights.
Lavatories:
One of the interesting things A340 features is the window on the lavatories. I have used many different aircrafts but it was my first time to see myself the window in the lavatory. The whole area looks brighter than the lavatory lights when the shades are open during daytime.
Qatar Airways A340 Business Class Lavatory with window.
Summary:
This was my first time ever trying out the Airbus A340 family. Nowadays operations of A340 are decreasing and I think some day they will all be replace with much more efficient aircrafts. But A340 still has its own distinctive features such as having 4 engines even though its not a double decker. It was fascinating as Qatar Airways provide full course meals on a short-haul flights with great crews. The cabin crews consistently went back and forth to check if the passengers needed anything. Though some of the drawbacks were aisle access from window seats and lacking privacy between each seat. Besides that , another flawless experience with Qatar Airways.